Service Details
Services celebrating Jeff’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 4:00PM. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 2:30PM until the time of service. Private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given in Jeff’s name to the American Cancer Society of Wisconsin or Racine Kiwanis Baseball.
Racine – Jeffrey Konesko, age 69, passed away at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee on Monday, July 10, 2023.
Jeff was born in Racine to Felix and Marie (nee: Boivin) Konesko on May 6, 1954. He graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1972. On May 31, 1980, Jeff was united in marriage to Kathleen “Kathy” Reinhard, celebrating 43 years together in May. Jeff retired from Styberg Engineering, where he was a dedicated and loyal employee as a Quality Control Technician for over 45 years. Jeff played semi-pro baseball for many years as a member of the Racine Redbirds. After his playing days, he stayed involved as an umpire for WIAA baseball and softball. Jeff was recognized as one of the top umpires by Racine Kiwanis Baseball and Little League Baseball, not only in Wisconsin but also nationally. He was an avid bowler, taking his game throughout Wisconsin and across the country. Jeff played the accordion for Shalom Yahad, a Christian group whose outreach was to bridge the gap between the Jewish and Christian Communities. More recently, he played the trumpet with the classic rock band, Hammered Brass. Among his interests and hobbies, Jeff spent time fishing and hunting; expanding his model train collection; supporting and following all Wisconsin sports teams; and learning the rules and regulations of any new sport as it became popular.
Jeffrey is survived by his wife, Kathleen, of Racine; daughters, Jenny (Chris) Kraase of Greenfield, Rachael (David) Niles of Racine, and sons, Jeff (Kelly) Konesko of Yorkville, and Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Matthew (Ashley) Konesko of Savannah, Georgia; grandchildren, Tyler (Megan) and Caleb Kraase, Xander, Zane, Ezekiel, and Azariah Niles, Nadia and Brianna Konesko, and Elijah Konesko; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Liberty, Ardyn, and Malyk, brothers and sister-in-laws, SFC (Ret.) Kenneth (Lisa), Wendy, Candice, and Patrick, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jeffrey is preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Marie Konesko, brother, Gary Konesko, and brother-in-law Scott Reinhard.
Services celebrating Jeff’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 4:00PM. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 2:30PM until the time of service. Private interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given in Jeff’s name to the American Cancer Society of Wisconsin or Racine Kiwanis Baseball. Jeff’s family would like to thank Dr. Mullane and the team at Aurora Cancer Center – Racine; the doctors, nurses and staff at Aurora Medical Center – Mount Pleasant; and the doctors, nurses, hospice and staff at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center – Milwaukee in showing compassion for Jeff and his family.
Tom Holbus says
I always remember Jeff as Gary’s little brother and admired as brothers how well they got along. They never argued or tried to OUT contest each other. It was quite admirable.
Susan E. Mitchell says
So very sorry to hear about Jeff!! He was certainly an inspiration to many people; especially his wife and family!! He is now in the arms of Jesus resting in heaven!! What a wonderful
angel God has with him in heaven!!
Gloria Cairo says
Heartfelt condolences to your whole family. Praying for you to know the nearness and comfort of Christ in this difficult time. I so enjoyed reading about Jeff’s diverse and expansive array of talents and interests! It’s wonderful how Jeff embraced so much during his lifetime! I will remember him as a protective and loving family man. While I can’t attend the services, my heart and prayers are with you.
Greg Strohm says
God’s speed, my friend, it was a pleasure to know you and a privilege to have umpired with you.
Frank Stockus says
Jeff was one of the finest and nicest men I knew. Anyone that got to know Jeff was blessed by that relationship. I had the privilege of playing amateur baseball with Jeff . Some of my fondest memories of those playing days were sharing the diamond with him. Getting to spend time with him on and off the field was a gift I treasure.
If they can play baseball in heaven I know Jeff will “suit up” and all I can say is “Have a Day, Buddy, Have a Day!!”