Obituary: Kenneth Victor Konop

Kenneth Victor Konop, age 86, of Brillion, passed away peacefully on September 21st, 2026.

Ken was a devoted family man, educator, and man of faith who brought curiosity and energy to everything he did. He had a natural mechanical mind, loved anything that moved fast, and was always ready for an adventure. Whether he was teaching, coaching, racing, serving his church community, or helping someone he loved, Ken showed up fully. He cared deeply about people and took genuine joy in seeing them succeed.

Ken was born on March 4, 1940, and was the eldest son of the late Charles and Mamie (Chvala) Konop. He grew up on the family farm in Menchalville, WI.

Ken graduated from Reedsville High School in 1958 and went on to attend UW–Platteville, where he earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Industrial Arts Education. He was a member of UW–Platteville’s first cross country team and later coached cross country at Reedsville and Brillion High Schools.

In 1962, Ken married Jacqueline Pritzl. They had two children, Julie Konop (Mark Frischman) and Chad Konop (Melissa Konop). Jacqueline died in 1974. In 1977, Ken married Lucy Hartenbach. They had two children, Kate Konop-Wolf (Kyle Wolf) and Kalin Konop (Josh Rosengren).

Ken found a special kind of joy in being a grandfather. Dylan Konop, Owen Konop, Natasha Konop, and Vera Wolf filled him with love, wonder, and tremendous pride.

His career in education included serving as a teacher and principal at Reedsville High School and as a teacher and vocational coordinator at Brillion High School. He took great pride in his students and continued to celebrate their accomplishments long after they left his classroom.

Ken was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, participating in mission work, building and grounds, and eucharistic ministry. He cherished the connections he made in the Holy Family Men’s Group.

His involvement in motorsports spanned snowmobiles, motorcycles, race cars, and experimental aircrafts. He won a snowmobile World Championship (1971) and was inducted into the USSA Hall of Fame for promoting safety with the Saf-Jac (2009).

His travels took him across the United States and around the world, often alongside his siblings Roy Konop and Edith Reichardt, where they always seemed to find a mountain to climb. 

Ken found the good in people and offered a positive spin, no matter how dire the situation. Ken was genuine, compassionate, generous, and a devoted Christian.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion.

A celebration for Ken will be held after the visitation, Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Carstens Mill from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. to share stories and memories.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Holy Family Catholic Church.

Online condolences and memorial information may be found at www.pielhop.com