LaVern E. Konze

     LaVern E. “Buck” Konze, 90, of Cataract, Wis., passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2020, at Tomah Memorial Hospital. 

     He was born in Little Falls, on February 4, 1930 to Edwin and Caroline Konze.
     Buck was a devoted father, grandfather, husband, and friend.  Buck married the love of his life, Norma J. Eddy (deceased) and they had four children, Larry (deceased), Julie (deceased), Ricky, and Eddy. Buck lived a busy and productive life and could never sit still.  Buck proudly served in the U.S. Army and cherished the memories of his time in Germany. Buck came home from the Army and bought a milk route for a couple years. Buck then became a truck driver for Overgaard Construction; working his way up to equipment operator. After gaining experience, he bought his own equipment and Konze Construction was born.  Buck's work can be seen everywhere in the local area from the many new homes that he built to the many miles of creek and snowmobile trail restoration projects and hundreds of other projects. 

     In the mid 1970's, Buck purchased a farm as a “get away from the phone” on the weekends. In typical Buck fashion, this turned into all new buildings he built himself, milking 70 head of cows, raising thousands of hogs, and farming around 400 acres annually. 

     In the early 1990's, Buck decided to ease into retirement and give a produce stand business a try. He built a building on his property, next to Highway 27, to sell the vegetables that he was raising; this lasted for one season. He then decided to expand and open a full-fledged grocery store and immediately doubled the size and sold furniture as well. 

     Buck and Norma were more than husband and wife; they were best friends, business partners, and proud parents and grandparents. Bucks greatest joy in the last few years was buying flowers from the Amish sale and selling them to many folks for little or no profit because he enjoyed the folks coming and seeing his gardens and listening to his stories.
     He is survived by his sons, Rick (Gena) and Eddy (Julie); grandchildren, Ricki, Bronson, and Jenna; sister, Joan Abbott; brother, Edwin “Buzz” Konze; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and friends. 

    He was preceded in death by wife, Norma Jean; son, Larry Edwin; daughter, Julie Marie; and several family and friends.

     A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2020, in Cataract Cemetery, with Reverend Roberta Nowicki officiating. A celebration of life will be held following the service at Cataract Sportsman’s Club.

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