Ralph John Konkal

Ralph John Konkal, aged 88, peacefully passed on to his reward, July 3, 2020. Ralph is survived by his loving wife: Betty Lou, dear children: Karen Keyes, Sheila (Tom) Manchen, Brian (Charles Weber) Konkal, Heather Marci Braden, Kevin (Heather) Konkal; 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; and siblings: John Konkal and Barbara Zaccagni. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents: John and Agnes Konkal and sister: Arlene Romer.

At thirteen years of age, Ralph attended the Ford Trade School, Detroit, MI. He then graduated with honors from his Detroit high school. Ralph continued working for the Ford Motor Company. Ralph later enlisted in the United States Air Force and valiantly served in the Korean War. Once discharged, Ralph worked in the tool and die machinist manufacturing industry. In the industry, Ralph managed large plants, as the supervising plant manager. Essentially, Ralph began working in this industry at the age of thirteen, and he never stopped diligently working until the day he retired. Ralph became known as the most honest and integrity-filled leader in his line of work. There were several incidences in Ralph’s career in which others wanted him to act dishonestly. Ralph’s strong character always shined, as he always, always followed the way of truthfulness. Many called Ralph a “teacher’s teacher,” as Ralph humbly mentored so many in his field.

Two best friends, Ralph and Betty Lou Konkal, joyfully celebrated their fiftieth (50th!) wedding anniversary on April 5th, 2020. There has never been a wife more adored and well-cared-for than Betty Lou. When Ralph began suffering serious illness in April of this year, and his blood pressure was 76/35, he would not go to the hospital until he knew a family member had arrived to care for Betty Lou. In response to Ralph’s love, Betty Lou admired and cherished Ralph more than any man on earth.

When Ralph and Betty Lou married, Ralph had three children, Karen, Sheila and Brian, and Betty Lou had one daughter, aged two, Heather Marci. Ralph took Heather Marci in as his very own daughter. Betty Lou recalls how Ralph cared for Heather Marci by putting on her shoes, dressing her when she was tiny, and carrying her wherever he went. Ralph, along with his children Karen, Sheila, and Brian, treated Marci with such love, most people did not even know Ralph was actually Heather Marci’s step-father. In fact, the term “step-father” was never even used in this family. Heather Marci always called Ralph, “Dad.”

In 1972, Ralph and Betty Lou welcomed their beautiful son, Kevin. Since Kevin was the baby of the family, everyone doted on Kevin, as they immensely enjoyed this new little life. All the siblings passed him around, as everyone just wanted to hold and love him!

In 1974, Ralph and Betty Lou, Heather Marci and Kevin, attended a Billy Graham crusade, together, at Cobo Hall, in Detroit, MI. At the end of the service, this family walked down, all the way from the upper seating, to the center of the arena; with Billy Graham and before everyone present, with two-year-old Kevin in Ralph’s arms, Ralph, Betty Lou, Heather Marci, and Kevin all accepted Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It was a glorious day, with angels rejoicing!

From this point on, Ralph and Betty Lou grew together, as best friends, in the Lord Jesus Christ. Even during the last weeks of Ralph’s life, as weak as he was, Ralph could be found reading devotionals to Betty, every single morning. And in the afternoon, Ralph and Betty Lou could be found upstairs in their den, holding hands and praying aloud for everyone they knew who had a need. You, most likely, have been touched by the prayers of Ralph and Betty Lou.

Everyone knew Ralph as giver, a man of sacrifice, a man of tremendous wisdom, an utmost gentleman, and a steadfast, quiet servant leader. Ralph would give the shirt off his back. Many times, if Ralph learned a loved one had dire needs, even though areas of Ralph’s home may have been in ill repair and Ralph had holes in his own shirt, Ralph would promptly send a check in the mail to help his loved one. With Ralph, there was never a door he didn’t open for another, never a chair not pulled out for a lady, and never a heavy load he did not carry for another. Ralph never yelled in anger, he always spoke kind and encouraging words, and when Ralph spoke, everyone listened, as his words were so few, yet so powerfully full of wisdom.

Ralph, Honey (the words of Betty Lou), Dad, Grandpa, Opa, and Gramps, you will be truly, truly missed. You were the finest man on the planet. We ALL adored you; and, as we move forward, even in our grief, we celebrate a life so incredibly well-lived. And the Lord would say to you: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Amen and amen !!

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m., New Life Christian Church, 31700 Couchez Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the family of Ralph John Konkal in c/o Betty Lou Konkal.