Chester was born on May 25, 1929 in Wyszka, Poland. He was the oldest of six sons born to Antoinette (Sawicki) and Felix Konopacki. After the family was forced from their farming home during WWII, he spent about 5 years in a German labor camp, until eventually the family was allowed to immigrate to the United States in 1949. After a short stay in Statesboro, Georgia, the whole family soon took up permanent residence on the South Side of Chicago.
In Chicago, Chester worked many jobs to help support the family. He ultimately found his calling as a union wood finisher. He became a foreman and worked beside his younger brother, Dominic. He was a very proud member of the Chicago Painters and Decorators Local Union 830 (formerly Wood Finishers Local Union 611) for 72 years.
Chester was a devout Catholic, a long time parishioner and extraordinary minister of St. Daniel the Prophet Church. He valued the church’s message and lived his life accordingly. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, and PRCUA Society #880. He enjoyed picnics at the PNA club, and any chance to get out on a dance floor.
Chester worked hard, loved learning, and highly valued higher education, which he didn’t have the opportunity to pursue. He enjoyed working with his hands and could repair almost anything. He kept busy as a seasoned advisor for his children's various projects.
Family was Chester's top priority, and he successfully brought them all closer together. He was devoted to his kids & grandkids and always interested in their lives. His dedication to his family and his work ethic have inspired his eight children and numerous grandchildren. His greatest joy was being with the family on vacations and holidays.
Chester will be remembered for his wit, determination, persistence and strength, as well as for the love he showed to his family.
Chester is survived by his wife Stella (Banaś) Konopacki and children Anthony Konopacki, Theresa (Tom) Short, Stanley (Laurel) Konopacki, Joseph (Eileen) Konopacki, Ted (Alexandra) Konopacki, and Peter (Selena) Konopacki, along with his brothers Walter Konopacki, Michael (Victoria) Konopacki and Mitchell (Christine) Konopacki, and many grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Christine (Joseph) Gratzke, his son Paul (Joan) Konopacki, his brother Dominic (Jeannine) Konopacki, his brother John Konopacki, and his first wife Lucy (Jablonski) Konopacki.
Visitation for Chester will be on Wednesday, August 26th, 2026, from 4:00 PM. to 8:00 PM., at Ridge Funeral Home, 6620 West Archer Ave, Chicago, IL. 60638. Visitation on Thursday, August 27th, 2026, from 8:30 AM. to 9:30 AM., with prayer service starting at 9:30 AM., at Ridge Funeral Home, 6620 West Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM., at St. Daniel the Prophet Church, 6612 West 54th Street, Chicago, IL 60638. Committal Service will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleums, 7201 Archer Road, Justice, IL 60458. For information call 773-586-7900 or visit www.ridgefh.com.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridgefh.com for the Konopacki Family.
