Clarence J. Konecki

Clarence J. Konecki, of Crystal Lake, passed away on January 8, 2023.  He was 86 years old.  Clarence is survived by his wife, Carol (nee May). They would have been married 60 years on February 23, which was also his birthday.

Clarence worked as a machinist at Continental Can, American National Can and Tootsie Roll. He was a Korean War Veteran and served in the Army Reserves 85th Division.

He was an excellent machinist who made his own parts for his antique car.  In the 50’s, he raced stock cars at the Sante Fe Speedway and went on to customize a 1933 Hudson which he raced in the 50’s only to sell it and many years later he bought it back from the same person he sold it to and spent many years of his life restoring it back to its original condition. He took that car to shows winning many trophies and enjoyed getting together with his other antique car enthusiasts.

Clarence could fix anything. He loved to tinker in the garage even into his senior years. As he got older the projects got smaller, but if he was in his garage, he was happy. The garage and Menards were his happy places along with stopping at Country Donuts for his coffee and glazed donut.

He enjoyed taking his family on road trips, especially to the annual Chicago Milwaukee Chapter Hudson Club and taking his grandchildren in the RV on many vacations.

Clarence had a dry sense of humor that would always make us laugh and he told the best stories.  He would do anything for anybody and was only a phone call away, especially when it came to his children and grandchildren. He loved them dearly.

Along with his wife, Carol, Clarence is survived by his children, Edward (Janine) Konecki, Susan (the late James) Steffens, and Steve (Kari) Konecki; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Alli) Steffens, Steven Steffens, Ashley Konecki, Ryan Konecki; great grandson, Luke Steffens; sisters-in-law, Felicia Konecki and Cynthia Konecki; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Konecki and brothers, Donald, Ralph, and Ronald Konecki.

A visitation will be Sunday, January 15, from 3pm until 7pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.   A mass will be Monday, January 16, at 10am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee-Huntley Rd, Huntley with a short visitation to start at 9am.  Burial will follow at Crystal Lake Memorial Park.