Bill Konopnicki Obituary

Bill was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 7, 1945. He was the oldest of three children. At the tender age of five, Bill relocated with his family to Yuma.

Bill's family owned and operated Stan's Grocery and Laundry in Yuma for more than thirty-five years. Following his graduation from Kofa High School, he attended Arizona Western College and later Arizona State University where he earned a BA and MA Degree in Business Education from Arizona State University. Bill also received an Ed D in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arizona.

Bill worked for Tucson Public Schools, Pima Community College, The University of Arizona, Eastern Arizona College and the Arizona Department of Education. He has served on Safford's Public School Governing Board for twelve years.

Bill was a successful small businessman, owning and operating nine McDonald's Restaurants, seven radio stations and served as the CEO of WSK Management. He actively served in the Gila Valley community and the state of Arizona including the Boy Scouts, Ronald McDonald houses in Phoenix, Tucson and Albuquerque and the Boys and Girls Clubs. Bill served in the Arizona House of Representatives as Chairman of the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance and a member of the Commerce and Judiciary Committees. He was a former member of the Mount Graham Regional Medical Center's Operating Board and is a past president. Bill also served in various capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including Stake President of the Safford Arizona Stake, Bishop, Sunday School Instructor and Home Teacher.

Bill entered into eternal life, at the age of 67, on Wednesday evening, October 17, 2012, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill leaves to mourn: his beloved wife, Cathy, of Safford, two daughters, Kristine and Sara, each of Safford; and two sons, Michael and David, of Safford; his sister Becky, of St. Louis, Missouri; and ten grandchildren. Bill was predeceased by: his wife, Jan; his mother and father, Tina and Stanley Konopnicki; and a brother, Terry.

Funeral services for Bill will be conducted Saturday morning, October 27, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Safford Stake Center, 501 West Catalina Drive in Safford, by Bishop Chris Bierman of the Safford Sixth Ward. Concluding services will follow in the Safford Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, October 26, 2012, , from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Vining Funeral Home, 1940 South 20th Avenue in Safford and Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., at the Stake Center Relief Society Room.
The family suggests donations be made in Bill's memory to the William Konopnicki Communication Studies Scholarship (http://www.eac.edu/alumni/giving/gift.asp#Now) or you may send a check payable to the Eastern Arizona College Foundation and mail to the Eastern Arizona College 3697 W. Church Street, Thatcher, AZ 85552.

Online condolences may be offered at viningfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Yuma Sun from Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Bill Konopnicki

5 Entries

Valerie Minty

October 22, 2012

To Bill's family I extend my deepest sympathy for the loss of such a wonderful man. May you find comfort and peace in the multiple memories you have of him. One om first memories I have of Bill was in 1962, when I was 5 years old. My mother and I traveled from MI by train, to his family's home, my Uncle Stanley and Aunt Tina's, in Yuma, AZ.I remember him accompanying my mother and me as his Dad took us sightseeing. One of the places we went was an orange grove. I wanted to pick an orange, so he picked me up and held me high over his head. I was a little afraid because he was quite tall, but remember being quite proud that I was able to pick that orange! He was already very warm and kind even as a teenager. In later years, my parents became "snowbirds" in Apache Junction, AZ and Bill would make the trip to visit his Aunt Katie and Uncle Joe several times. They loved him and always looked forward to his visits. My dear mother and I were especially touched when he suddenly appeared at the funeral home in MI, Jan 2009 to pay his final respects to my Dad even though he had to return to AZ in 15 hours. He was commited to staying connected to his large extended family. He will be very missed.

James and Bonny Smelser

October 22, 2012

Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Konopnicki Family. We did not know Bill personally only through his precious sister, Rachel Smelser.
Our love to each,
James and Bonny Smelser

Chuck Laguna

October 21, 2012

Bill was my best friend growing up in Yuma. Although we stayed in touch over the years, we only got to see each other for guick get togethers when I made it down to AZ. I will never forget the time 2 years ago I was in Yuma and he made the 5 hour drive from Safford just to spend a couple of hours with me. He was a great friend and I will miss him very much.

john stewart

October 21, 2012

I knew Bill from Stan's Market, AWC and ASU He was a kind and decent man. I had talked to him over the past few years from Prescott. He was outstanding legislator who worked with both sides of the isle.
Bill will be missed for his community efforts.

RIP..

Alex and Denise Villa

October 21, 2012

To The Konopnicki Family,Your in our thoughts and prayers .May you be comforted in these Sorrowful times and know we are here for you. Sincerely The Villa's

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