George Konetchy, age 86, died March 6, 2015, at Cascade Valley Hospital, Arlington, Wash. He was born May 9, 1928, in La Cross, Wisc., to John and Mamie (Thesing) Konetchy. He graduated from La Crosse Aquinas High School in 1946 and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an apprentice seaman and retired in 1970, with 24 years of service, as a lieutenant commander (0-4). During his military career, George served in 16 commands.

George retired from the Navy and opened a service and repair shop that he operated for three years. After selling his business, he went to work for Melco Manufacturing, a telephone equipment manufacturing company in Oak Harbor. He became plant manager, a position he held until the plant closed.

George enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and watching sports events. He was a member of Mary, Mother of the Church in La Cross and St. Augustine Catholic Church in Oak Harbor. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, John O’Brien Council, the Disabled American Veterans Association and the Military Officers Association of America. For many years, George was a volunteer at the Retired Activities Office, NAS Whidbey, where he assisted many military spouses in dealing with the deaths of husbands.

George married Deloris Walters in 1955, and from this marriage came five children, Steven, Kenneth, Denise, Beth and Dawn. Deloris died in 1991. George fell in love for a second time and in 1995, and he was married to Imelda Stokes. He enjoyed 13 wonderful years with Imelda before her death in 2008.

George is survived by his children, Steven and Nina Kontechy, Kenneth and Sonja Konetchy, Denise and Dennis Rovetto; by three granddaughters, Kari, Leiya and Amanda; by five grandsons, Andrew, Brant, Brian, Kyle and Trent; and three great-grandsons, Taylor, Jacob and Jared. He is also survived by his step-children, John and Leann Stokes, Patti and Allan Lesky, David and Mary Jo Stokes, and Thomas and Lea Stokes; the step-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wives, Deloris and Imelda; and two daughters, Beth and Dawn.

Funeral Mass for George will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 21, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with the Rev. Paul Pluth, J.C.L., as Celebrant. Rite of committal will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery with full military honors. A reception will follow at Wallin Funeral Home for family and friends. A vigil service with viewing and sharing of thoughts and memories will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, March 20, at St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Friends and family are encouraged to visit George’s page in the Book of Memories to share memories and condolences. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC.