Leonard A. Konen

Dad quit school in the eighth grade to help on the farm. Nick was not happy with him, but appreciated the help as his health was failing. Nick died when dad was 14 years old, just before the 12th child was born, leaving Amelia and the kids to find a way to make a go of it. They worked hard and grew into a strong family who all love and respect each other. They were raised to live by the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule.

As farming became a financial struggle, dad found other jobs in the area to support them. He did carpentry, worked for an implement dealer assembling and hauling equipment and farmed for others. He stayed at home and helped Amelia with the kids and meals. He and his brothers hunted, fished and trapped. He did what was needed to keep the family together as much as possible. He found farm labor back on the Palouse, where he met Maria Kreienbaum while bowling with friends. They made a good team and were married in 1964. Mom and dad farmed and lived with mom's uncle, Ted Wessel. Dad's easy-going personality and dedication strengthened the farm. We had a good life. He was glad to finally retire as the hours of filling out paperwork took the enjoyment out of working on the farm to feed the hungry.

Mom and dad traveled and kept bowling in their retirement, always making sure they were home to tend their garden. They enjoyed playing cards with friends, neighbors and family, passing down their skills to their grandsons. It took a lot of patience on their part. Mom and Dad's home was always open to any relatives or friends who happened by.

After Mom's death, Dad asked that our family live together. It was a social challenge at times for the grandsons, but they loved and respected their Opa. Dad was grateful for all the help Jory gave him; he couldn't have asked for a better son-in-law.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents; wife Maria; brothers Ed and Art; and "brothers-out-law" Jake, Ray, Jim and Earl.

He is survived by his siblings, Maxine, Norma, Ivan (Pat), Joan, Betty, Nick (Marlene), Roy (Larri), Bob (Marge) and Rita (Clay); daughter Joyce and her husband, Jory Shelton; grandsons Chris (Chandra) and Mike (Janesa); and great-grandchildren Caitlin and Cadence, Grant, Luna and baby Leonard.

Dad was a simple man who enjoyed the simple things in life, and thanked the good Lord for all he was blessed with.

The rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Friday and the funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Both services will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Genesee. Gentlemen, please do not wear a tie. As dad used to say, "I hate the damn things." Burial will follow at the Genesee Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Willow Center, P.O. Box 1361, Lewiston, ID 83501.