Ohio University to celebrate the life of Dr. Wilfred R. Konneker

ATHENS, Ohio – Ohio University will celebrate the life of Dr. Wilfred R. Konneker with a special service in Galbreath Chapel on March 31 at 4:30 p.m. (doors open at 4:15). No black attire, please.

Guests are asked to RSVP to Tiffany Tomeo (tomeot@ohio.edu, 740-593-2554) by Thursday, March 24. A reception and memorial display will be in the 1951 Lounge on the Fourth Floor of Alden Library immediately following the service.

The family, including Will Konneker’s wife, Ann Lee, and daughter, B. Lynn Webster, will be in attendance for the occasion – which will take place on the Konneker’s 70th wedding anniversary.

Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis will preside over the service, which will include remarks of remembrance from President Emeritus Charles J. Ping.

The family invites members of the University and Athens communities to share stories, memories or anecdotes about Will Konneker via email to tomeot@ohio.edu by March 21.

Dr. Konneker graduated from Ohio University in 1943 with a bachelor in the science of chemistry. He continued his education at Ohio University, eventually earning his masters in physics in 1947.

Dr. Konneker was born Feb. 20, 1922 and grew up in Greenfield and graduated from McClain High School. He passed away Jan. 7, 2016. Along with his wife, Ann, Konneker is the namesake of the Konneker Education Museum in Greenfield, which is operated by the Greenfield Historical Society. The museum is the former Old Seceders Presbyterian Church and an early two-room school

Dr. Konneker kept Ohio University in his heart for his entire life. In 1964, he was awarded the Alumni Medal of Merit, and in 1979 he was named Alumnus of the Year.

Individuals wishing to share letters of condolence or sympathy cards with the family can direct them to the Office of Donor Relations, Ohio University, WUSOC 164, Athens, Ohio, 45701.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to The Ohio University Foundation in support of the Konneker-Ping Fund. Gifts can be made by mailing your check payable to The Ohio University Foundation (please write “Konneker-Ping Fund” in the memo section) to P.O. Box 869, Athens, Ohio, 45701; by calling 800-592-FUND; or by e-mailing giving@ohio.edu. Secure online giving is available at www.ohio.edu/give.