George "Pete" Konen

Hastings resident George Peter “Pete” Konen, 68, died peacefully with his wife Marcia by his side, and family and friends nearby, on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, NE.

Pete gracefully and courageously lost his six-year battle with leukemia. Although his journey with cancer was long and difficult, Pete inspired those around him by remaining positive, placing the needs of others before his own and by sharing his unique sense of humor. The son of George and Eleanor (Hoffman) Konen, Pete was born into a loving farm family on September 28, 1949, in Hastings, NE. Pete first learned the value of family, faith and a strong work ethic while growing up in Assumption, NE with seven sisters and one younger brother, all who tirelessly supported the family farms. He graduated from Roseland High School in 1967, forever proud of his school track record for the 880-yard dash. At an early age, Pete fell in love with his high school sweetheart Marcia Ann Parr from Roseland, NE. They were married on September 21, 1968, at Assumption Catholic Church and celebrated forty-nine incredible years together in the Hastings community and as members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Early in their marriage, Pete attended Central Community College and worked a number of jobs before fathering two sons; Brent Michael Konen of Council Grove, KS and Bradley Scott Konen of Elkhorn, NE. Camping and trips to family farms planted the seeds for his children’s love and respect of the outdoors and the environment. Pete was blessed with a long and prosperous business career spanning over 40 years. While leading four Hastings based plastic pipe manufacturing businesses (Western Plastics, Eagle Plastics, Eagle Pacific Industries, and Centennial Plastics), he became known for his genuine relationships with his employees. Always caring, generous and compassionate, Pete attributed his success to his employees and his customers. He was extremely proud of the combined success of these businesses and the relationships he developed working in the plastics industry. Pete enjoyed sharing in his success, generously contributing to countless individuals and organizations. A loving and giving husband, father, grandfather, and believer, Pete most enjoyed spending time with family and friends, particularly his four grandchildren.  His other interests included lake and Palm Desert, CA living, classic cars, golf and Husker games.

Pete was preceded in death by his grandparents, Peter Konen and Anna Weber of Juniata NE; his parents; his brother, James Albert Konen; and Tater and Buddy, his beloved Springer Spaniels.

SURVIVORS:
Wife:
Marcia Ann Konen - Hastings, NE
Sons, Daughters-in-law & families:
Brent Michael Konen & Pamela Schmieding - Council Grove, KS
Hailey & Hannah Konen
Bradley Scott Konen & Kelly Fitzpatrick - Elkhorn, NE
Kelsie & Easton Konen
Sisters & Spouses:
Sharon Konen - Colorado Springs, CO
Nancy & Robert Kopycinski - Sun City West, AZ
Mary & Ron Emmitt - Sun City West, AZ
Marcia & Larry Joe Parr - Red Cloud, NE
Joan & Tom Theis - Topeka, KS
Paulette & Kevin Meredith - Port St. Lucie, FL
Jane & Dan Royer - Grand Rapids, MI
Brother & Spouse:
Mark & Becky Konen - Austin, TX
Numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.

Vigil and Rosary is 7 p.m. Friday, August 17, at Butler Volland Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 18, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Hastings with Father Jeremy Hazuka officiating. Burial will be Saturday at 2 p.m. in Assumption Cemetery in Assumption, NE. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Assumption Catholic Church, Assumption Cemetery or Morrison Cancer Center. Visitation will be 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church.