Kyle James Konkel, 56, of Fremont, died at home of pancreatic cancer on July 31, 2020. He was born April 2, 1964 at Gerber Hospital in Fremont, attended Fremont Public schools, and graduated with the FHS Class of 1983. While in high school, he also completed two years of electronics instruction at the Newaygo County Vocational Center. Kyle entered the United States Army in October, 1983, receiving his Honorable Discharge in October, 1991 as a Specialist E4. Kyle's first MOS led him to Germany where he worked in the "nuke silos", later taking the NCO Course – Primary Leadership Development Course, Seventh Army Europe, 8th Infantry Division, Baumholder, Germany. During his tenure in the Army, Kyle's second MOS 62E of Heavy Construction Equipment Operator at the 577 Engr BN, 1st Engr Bde, HQ, at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, sent him to two overseas services in the Gulf War – Southwest Asia/Defense of Saudi Arabia and Southwest Asia/Liberation and Defense of Kuwait. His foreign service lasted a period of three years and six months. Awards he received included the National Defense Service Medal and W/2 Bronze Stars, and four Army Achievement Medals. Kyle began his working career at age 16 stocking shelves after school at the former Valueland grocery store in Fremont. After his eight years in the military, Kyle returned to Fremont, finding work in the road construction industry, the GR Postal Service, foundry work at ACMI in Fruitport, before becoming a long-distance truck driver for Schneider, Michigan Produce Haulers, and others, the majority of time with Foreway Transportation based in Coopersville. He and his youngest brother, Bryon, team drove for some of those years. Kyle then began working at his older brother Frank's dairy farm, Silver Sky Dairy, LLC of Hesperia, to be closer to home and family, and a short time by Slater Farms, LLC before getting work as a machinist in 2015 to the present at M & N Machine, LLC in Muskegon. Kyle purchased the next-door property to where he grew up on 32nd Street, NW of Fremont, in 1997, enjoying close proximity to his parents. His mother, Carol Konkel, died in 2017, but his father, Frank W. Konkel, at age 88 was still his neighbor. Kyle and then his wife and young son had a very close relationship with the elder Konkels and helped a great deal with their companionship, visiting, and helping care for Carol as her health worsened. As Kyle was diagnosed himself with terminal cancer, these roles reversed and Frank Sr. and Kyle's siblings all stepped up to do what they could to help settle his affairs to smooth the way for his wife and son to carry on. On April 24, 2004, Kyle married Edna D. Manesca in Cavite, Philippines which is a region on the southern shores of Manila Bay. After some months, paperwork, and effort, Edna was able to join him back in Michigan, eventually becoming a U. S. citizen. They have one son, Kelvin Manesca Konkel, born June 2, 2006. Kyle's main hobby was collecting coins. He loved to go to estate sales and auctions to check out other collections to add to his, spending hours poring over coin magazines and sharpening his skills. He also enjoyed camping at local lakes with his family and younger brother. Kyle always maintained he would not live a long life. He likely ignored or hid from his family that he had chronic pain that too late was diagnosed as cancer and had spread. In his military service, Kyle proved he was a hard worker, dedicated, and loved his country. Kyle was a quiet, selfless, loyal, low-key and private person who loved his family and provided for them, was there for them, as best he could. He will be sorely missed. Kyle was preceded in death by his mother, Carol (Cole) Konkel. He is survived by his loving wife, Edna Konkel, their son, Kelvin Konkel, his father, Frank W. Konkel – all of Fremont; his sister, Shannon (Craig) Sharp of Clarksville, brother, Frank J. (Shari) Konkel of Branch; brother, Bryon (Sheral) Konkel of Mt. Pleasant, and Uncle Max Philo, Sr. of Fremont, along with several cousins, nieces and nephews. Per his request, cremation has taken place and there will be no public service. Arrangements are with Crandell Funeral Home-Fremont Chapel. To share a memory or photo, and to sign the family's online guest book, please visit www.crandellfh.com. Private Services