Lester Joseph Konicek

Lester Joseph Konicek, 87 of Denver; Preceded in death by his wife Alice; Survived by his son Daniel Konicek; The family will receive friends Sunday 3PM - 5PM ; Funeral Mass Monday 11AM, both at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3020 Federal Blvd.; Private Interment Fort Logan National Cemetery. It is of course impossible to try to sum up a mans' life in a five to ten minute eulogy, but here are a few simple thoughts on reflecting on Lester Konicek's life. Lester was born on Aug. 14th 1923 in Tama County Iowa. He was the son of Emil and Anna Konicek. He grew up with his three brothers two sisters. As a member of the Greatest Generation he experienced the same challenges and difficulties as the rest of the nation. He experienced the great depression and joined the CCC doing road work and developing rural electricity. After the CCC he joined the Army Air Corp and served throughout WW II. He was in the 331 st heavy bomb group as a mechanic on B29's and served in the Pacific. Later he was stationed in Omaha and met his future wife Alice Unrein in Sterling Colorado. As all of the veterans of that war learned when they returned their job wasn't over and they went to work building a life and the nation. Lester married Alice Unrein in November 1944. They had a one son Daniel born in 1950. During their early years together they made their home in Sterling , Frederick, and eventually Denver. While they lived in Frederick they owned a bar, ""The Friendly Tavern"". It was a great place and truly was friendly and they had dutchhops there nearly every Sunday. What a great times those were, but a lot of work for Alice and Lester. Speaking of dancing, Alice and Lester could dance the shodish like no one else. When they took the floor everyone stopped and watched. When they moved to Denver Lester worked for Navajo trucking and was a member of the Teamsters. He worked there for 35 years and retired in 1986. Lester was always an avid fisherman and spent a lot of time camping and fishing in the Rockies. In the 50's and 60's camping and fishing wasn't that popular yet in Colorado and he helped pioneer the sport in those days. He was a stream fisherman and liked to spend time on the Poudre River and usually got his limit. You could always tell where he was camping because he had the biggest campfire around. He didnïéé½t burn up all the wood in Colorado, there's still a little left. Lester was always active in the Church serving in the Holy Name Society , and as an usher. He was an example to others through his service. Lester was always committed to family, whether it was his family, relatives or friends. He was godfather to many relatives children and always thought of them. We don't know how he did it but he never forgot an anniversary and always sent cards to nephews, nieces, brothers in laws and sister in laws on their special day. When we look up at the snow capped peaks of the Colorado Rockies and we think of Lester we'll remember him sitting around a roaring campfire on the Poudre, or a high country lake, relishing the great day of fishing he just had and having the time of his life. Or when we hear the polka music start up weïéé½ll think of him spinning away on the dance floor in perfect timing and eloquence. We'll always wonder if he really found out if ""In heaven there is no beer"". The following poem is for all of us who have lost loved ones recently. I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below. With tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear. For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, But sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, For it's beyond description to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart. But I am not that far away, we really aren't apart. So be happy for me dear ones, you know I hold you dear. And be glad I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year. I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above, I send you each a memory, of my undying love. After all, love is the gift, more precious than pure gold. It was always most important in the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do For I can't count the blessings or love He has for each of you. So have a Merry Christmas, and wipe away that tear. Remember I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year. Please Share your memories of Lester and condolences with the family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" button below.