John Charles Konzen, 77

John Charles Konzen, 77, of Troy and Libby passed away peacefully Nov. 3, 2020, with family by his side.

John’s adventurous life began July 26, 1943, when he was born to Yvonne Marcella Sumner and Kermit John Konzen in Bozeman. He was the third of nine children. He grew up on the Southside of Billings, during which he made many lifelong friends and made many memories.

He graduated from Billings Senior High School and then he started dating Linda Pederson, the love of his life. They were married Jan. 8, 1965, and celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this year. John attended Eastern Montana College in Billings, where he earned a bachelor's degree in education.

In 1969, John and Linda moved to Troy, where he began his family and his education career. He taught history in the junior high for 12 years. While he was teaching he earned a master’s degree in education from Gonzaga University. Later, he obtained his administrative degree from Montana State University and the University of Montana.

He became the principal of Troy Junior High and High School and served in that role for 18 years. During his time working in the Troy School District he was involved in many extracurricular activities and dedicated many hours to building youth sports programs. John was a dedicated educator and mentor to his students and teachers.

Following his retirement from education, he served two terms as a Lincoln County commissioner. John’s love for his community led him to pioneer many projects to benefit community members. He helped with creating many recreational opportunities such as parks, walking paths and a shooting range.

John volunteered in many capacities during his years in Troy and Libby. The organizations he volunteered his time to were: Troy Ambulance, Troy Volunteer Fire Department, Troy Youth Recreation Association, Lincoln County Port Authority, Troy Public Schools Board of Trustees, Forest Stakeholders Committee, Forest Resource Advisory Committee and the Cabinet Peaks Medical Center Board of Directors.

A lifelong educator and tireless volunteer, John was also dedicated to his family. In his spare time, John could almost always be found outdoors. He enjoyed big game hunting, upland game bird hunting, golfing, fishing, cross country skiing and hiking with all of his friends and family.

Following in his father’s footsteps, John enjoyed Montana history and sharing it with his family on trips across the state. Many of John’s fondest times were spent with family and friends, enjoying summer days at Bull Lake. The more people at the lake, the better — that was his motto. At the lake, he loved good food, fishing with grandchildren, talking over campfires, camping, swimming, boating, water sports and lounging in a chair in the lake.

John was in his element at Bull Lake.

John was a storyteller. He’d weave tales around the campfire, on the golf course and beyond. He knew how to make you laugh; he held nothing back when telling a story.

He truly loved life and his family. John never met a stranger; he was a friend to everybody. He had the ability to make friends feel like they were part of the family. John enjoyed creating nicknames that often stuck with people for their lifetime.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was an avid athletic supporter of the Troy Trojans and the Libby Loggers. He loved watching the local student-athletes and especially his children and grandchildren’s games.

John is survived by his wife, Linda, of 55 years; daughter, Cami (Wally) Winslow and grandchildren Jared and Jayden of Libby; daughter, Christy (Justin) Krantz and granddaughter Josie of St. Ignatius; sisters, Karol (Dave) Holmberg, Karen (Ben) Pelzel, Janet Buige, Konnie (Dan) Haman, Kim (Everett) Martin and Janice Noel; brother, Randy Konzen; sister-in-law, Michele Konzen; many nieces and nephews; and many close friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Kermit and Yvonne, and his brother, David Konzen.

John is smiling today. He left his family and many friends knowing that we will press on and approach life as he always did: with a great work ethic, a respect for all people, a way to make everything more fun, and a smile on his face. He left an empty space in our hearts, but our cherished memories and his spirit will always live on.

A memorial scholarship has been established in John’s name to be awarded to a Troy High School graduating senior. Donations can be sent to Troy Public Schools Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 867, Troy, MT, attention: Trinette Todd. Please list John Konzen in the memo portion of the check.

No services are planned at this time due to COVID-19. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.