Dave Konopatzke, 83

Dave “Kono” Konopatzke, 83, of Columbia Falls passed away suddenly, July 31, 2023. He was born to Lenore Fuller and Vernon Konopatzke in Havre, on Jan. 11, 1940.

In his early years, he went to Catholic School, then to Simms High School and transferred to Columbia Falls High School for his Junior and Senior years and graduated in the Class of 1958.

His ability to help people led him to join the Columbia Falls Police Department where he worked from July 1, 1961, until he retired July 31, 1987. He worked his way up from Police Officer to Assistant Police Chief, and finally Chief of Police. He worked with one of his best friends, Kenny Bell, who was Assistant Chief for many of those years who also retired at the same time.

He married Connie DeShais in 1979. They had a wonderful and active life together for 43 years.

He was a Columbia Falls Volunteer Fireman for 20 years and also volunteered with the Ambulance Service and the North Valley Search and Rescue. He also drove a school bus for many of those years.

Dave’s life was so full. Not a day went by that he wasn’t busy doing one of his many hobbies or adventures. If it had a motor he found a way to ride it. In the winter he was an avid snowmobiler. He was involved with snowmobile oval and drag racing, hill climbs and track ATVs.

In the summer he switched over to ATVs, UTV side-by-side, motorcycles, boats, and Wave Runners along with participating in snowmobile grass drags and car racing. He was a great skier on both snow and water. His many friends who shared his adventures will surely miss his expertise and abilities.

He is survived by his wife, Connie; son, Steve and his wife Colleen Konopatzke; sister, Susie (Lee) Smith; brother, Dan (Linda) Konopatzke; brother-in-law, Ron (Deb) DeShais; granddaughter, Stephani; and great-grandson, Eathon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Kyle; and two infant daughters, Lisa and Nancy, from a previous marriage.

There was a private graveside service Aug. 3, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls. Columbia Mortuary handled the service and online tribute.