Joseph Kaku Konney

Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Joseph Kaku Konney, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Monday, June 1, 2026. He was approaching his 81st birthday this September. We will miss him deeply every day, but our hearts are comforted knowing he is no longer in pain and enjoying many tender reunions.

Joseph (Joe) was born on Tuesday, September 5, 1945, in Bibiani, Ghana to his mother, Nwiaka Mansah and his father, Kaku Korneh.

Joe attended Kikum Methodist primary and middle school as a young child and completed that schooling in 1962. Later, he attended Takoradi Polytechnic from 1962 to 1966 where he obtained City and Guild of London certificates in Electrical Technology.

In January 1967, Joe enlisted in the Ghana Navy. He served in the navy dutifully and with honor, finishing his tour of duty in September 1977. In January 1979, Joe immigrated to the United States of America to continue his education at the DeVry Institute in Illinois.

In 1982, he joyfully welcomed a baby boy, John Kwaw Kwarm (Johnnie), and later discontinued his education at DeVry Institute to help care for his newborn son.

In 1990, he met Miss Karla McGhee, and they built their lives together in Chicago, Illinois for more than 30 years.

Joe is the proud father of two children, Vida and John. He was a loving grandfather who looked forward to talking with and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Karla; his son, Johnnie (Sharla); his daughter, Vida (Matthew); his ten grandchildren: Ransford, Philomena, Henry, Amanda, Dominic, Quentin, Calvin, Kate, Jack, and Nora; his brother, Peter; his three sisters: Mary, Dorcas, and Doris; his sister-in-law, Karen; and his brother-in-law, Charles.

Funeral services for Joe will be on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 3:00pm to 8:00pm.

There will be a private family service from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, followed by public visitation from 6:00pm to 8:00pm that evening. All services will take place at the Malec & Sons Funeral Home located at 6000 North Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646.