Kyle David Konopatzke, 28

Kyle David Konopatzke, 28, passed away Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena.  

Kyle was born at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish on Oct. 22, 1987, to Steve and Colleen Konopatzke. He was a joy to all that knew him and, from his first smile, he stole the hearts of everyone he met. He was very talented in a variety of disciplines. As an artist in junior high school, Kyle created enough art work, that he presented his own art show in Kalispell at Soucie & Soucie. This was attended by such celebrities as actress Leah Thompson. He was also very intelligent, and if you engaged in a conversation with him, you better hope you had a dictionary. Kyle was very well read in many subjects and enjoyed writing. Music was also an important part of Kyle’s life. He was very adept in playing the guitar and enjoyed performing his unique music with his garage band buddies while he was in high school.

Mental illness crept into Kyle’s life over 10 years ago. As the illness progressed, the things he loved to do faded. Kyle suffered valiantly from the daily struggle of this physically invisible disease. His love then turned towards family. He loved to visit his sister, Stephani, and his nephew, Eathon. He had a special bond with his grandmother, Rita Dowler. A little over two years ago, an “angel” came into his life and her name is Natalie Rich. The two of them were planning to be married in the near future.

In his passing, he is also our hero. With his generous gift of organ donation, he was able to save three precious lives.   

He is survived by his parents, Steve and Colleen Konopatzke; sister, Stephani Konopatzke; nephew, Eathon Brandon; fiancée, Natalie Rich; grandparents, Cal and Kathy Grise’, and Dave and Connie Konopatzke, and Rita Dowler and Kenny Fertterer; great-grandmother, Eda Anders; and numerous aunts and uncles, cousins and friends.

There will be a parish vigil with a rosary at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 24, at St. Richard’s Catholic Church. His celebration of life with Mass of the Resurrection will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 25, at St. Richard’s Catholic Church, with a reception following. A private burial will take place later this summer.

In memory of Kyle, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to NAMI Flathead (National Alliance of Mental Illness), 346 Third Ave. East, Kalispell, MT 59901.