Carol P. Konkel, 83, of Fremont, died on Saturday, February 18, 2017, at Transitional Health Services of Fremont, of congestive heart failure along with other complications.

Carol entered this world on a cold January 12th day in 1934, born at home with a midwife in Ashland, Michigan, to William Henry Cole and Elizabeth Dora (Matson) Cole. Her paternal side, according to Carol, traced back to the 9th U.S. president, William Henry Harrison, and his grandson, the 23rd president, Benjamin Harrison; while her maternal side dated back to the Cary clan and castle ruins of Wales. Carol was proud of her Welsh roots.

Carol Cole grew up in the Croton area, and graduated from Newaygo High School in 1952. She married Frank William Konkel on April 1, 1952 at St. Bart's, upon a special dispensation from the Pope since the marriage was held during Lent.

The newly married couple spent their first months of marriage at Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky where Frank was in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. When her husband was sent overseas to Trieste, Italy, in December of 1952, Carol returned to Newaygo County staying with his parents, working as a nurse's aide at Gerber Hospital. The couple reunited in July of 1953 at Camp Rucker, Alabama where they remained until April, 1954, returning to Fremont to start their family. They lived on 56th Street, then on Stewart, before settling on 32nd St. where they have lived for the past 49 years.

Carol worked as a nurse's aide from 1958-1960 at the Newaygo County Medical Facility, and again in that capacity at The Meadows from 1976-1988. She also was the bookkeeper when her husband ran his own road grading business. Carol was active in All Saints Church, where she taught catechism and played organ several years. She with her husband Frank learned square dancing and became part of a group that toured and performed on weekends in Michigan locations and even into Canada. Carol fashioned all the couple's outfits herself.

When she had time for them, Carol's hobbies included crocheting, reading, and flower gardening. The family enjoyed road trips to Ludington, Meinert Park, shared a campground spot at Campbell Lake, and had a trailer at Sandy Beach at Hardy Dam. Carol was a generous collector of unique teapots and 1000+ spoons from all over the world. She adored her grandchildren and was very present in their lives. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she would stockpile gifts all year long, and in her more active years, bake dozens of cookies, and make candies and fudge.

Carol is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Frank W. Konkel of Fremont; children, Shannon (Craig) Sharp of Clarksville; Frank J. (Shari) Konkel of Branch; Kyle (Edna) Konkel of Fremont; and Bryon (Sheral) Konkel of Shepherd; 12 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Also surviving Carol are her sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Max) Philo of Fremont, and Shirley Cole of Pink Hill, North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Shirley Quick; and brothers, Robert Boeder, Roger Cole, and Blair Cole; brother-in-law, Arthur Konkel; and sister-in-law, Mary Furr.

Per her request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating Carol's life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at All Saint's Church in Fremont, with Father Pete Schafer officiating. Guests can meet with family within the hour preceding the service at the church, and at the luncheon immediately afterwards. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association. Friends may share a memory or photo online or sign the family online guest book online at www.crandellfh.com.

Memorial Service

Saturday, February 25, 2017 11:00 AM

All Saints Catholic Church 500 Iroquois Drive Fremont, MI 49412

Saturday, February 25, 2017 12:00 PM

All Saints Catholic Church 500 Iroquois Drive Fremont, MI 49412