Robert O'Konek

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Bob O'Konek 83, peacefully earned his passage to Eternal Life on June 9, 2013.

Bob was born on a "rock farm," March 10, 1930 in the tiny Polish-populated farming town of Bevent, WI as the youngest son of eleven to Peter and Frances O'Konek.

After graduating from Messmer High School in 1948, where he met his high school sweetheart, love of his life and future wife, Beatrice, he broke ground for very "orthodox" career…

While playing minor league ball for the St. Louis farm system, Bob enlisted in the Air Force, serving in a Korean War M*A*S*H unit as a Dental Technician. Upon his return, he entered Marquette University where he forged a lifelong relationship with the Jesuits. Building upon a pursuit in dentistry, he made the obvious choice to graduate with a degree in Business and Philosophy. While aiming at a fortune on Madison Avenue, he jerry-rigged another natural foray into plumbing. Then, it seemed to make perfect sense to branch off as a restaurateur. Together, Bob and Bea owned and operated the landmark tavern/supper club, "The Cove" in Elm Grove. Next, capitalizing upon his ability to engineer a tremendously popular, celebrity-attracting Fish Fry, Bob joined partner Hubert Prondzinski to form Select Builders, where their talents contributed to the fabrication of the Mitchell Park Domes. Then he fortified his foundation by combining resources with the Bonness Brothers, ultimately resulting in 42-year thriving construction company, his building baby, Constro, Inc., leaving behind notable mementos such as Brookfield Hills, Elm Grove Police Department, and the Journal-Sentinel Building at Wisconsin State Fair Park.

In addition to his penchant for business and building something out of nothing, Bob so very loved his wife, his kids, his grandkids, his Packers, his golf and his Faith. Although Bob didn't even discover his passion for golf until the advanced age of 36, his obsession quickly burgeoned. As a long-time member of North Hills Country Club, active chair of the annual Vince Lombardi Golf Classic, many-time golf trophy winner and boaster of four hole-in-ones. He devoutly served his faith and St. Mary's Visitation Parish as parishioner, CCD teacher, volunteer, grass-cutting engineer as well as a gracious supporter of a plethora of good causes.

Bob is survived by his grateful children, Lori, Robb, Jeanne and super son-in-law, Des; his siblings, Alice, Richard, Adrian, their families, and his cherished grandchildren, Jessica, Hannah and Robbie.

He is preceded in death by his beloved Bea, his parents and his siblings, Eva, Mae, Eleanor, Ray (Perchy) and Vi, and myriad family members and friends.
Our hero, Bob O' managed to skillfully construct a life which awe and inspire his survivors.

Family and friends are invited to help celebrate Bob O's life at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, on Friday, June 14 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and a Vigil and Candlelight Remembrance at 6:45 PM. On Saturday, June 15, family will begin greeting guests at 10:30 AM prior to a Funeral Liturgy at 11:30 AM at St. Mary's Visitation in Elm Grove. Bob's family and friends will be invited to a celebratory luncheon Immediately following the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to St. Mary's Visitation Parish — earmarked for the Robert O'Konek Education Assistance Program.

He did it his way. He did it His way. And he is finally home.