William A. Konefes

It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Konefes announces his unexpected passing on Friday, June 8, 2018. He was born William Albert Konefes in Chicago, Illinois on January 10, 1964 to Albert and Constance Konefes. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 30 years, Lynette; his children, Shenan (David) Deere, Brayden (Nancy) Howes; and his grandsons, Connor and Roman. He will also be fondly remembered by his mother, Constance; his siblings, David (Bozena), Denise (John) Ulaszek and Michael (Sheila), along with numerous nieces and nephews, and Ana and Zach Williams. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Albert; and his father-in-law, Cleon Rhodehouse. He was a strong believer in eduation and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology, a Master’s in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University and was his dissertation away from receiving a PhD in Business. He joined the Navy as a Commissioned Officer in 1986 and served as a Nuclear Submarine Officer for 5 years active duty, and 16 years in the Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. Bill was a long time member of the Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers Group. The OIEC leaned heavily on Bill’s expertise in power plant operations. He served many years on the executive committee leading efforts to insure reliable and efficient energy services in the power industry. Bill was a member of the Powder River Basin Coal Users Group, where he served 2 years as Vice Chairman and 2 years as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The PRB Coal Users Group is the world’s largest and premier not-for-profit group helping those who choose to use sub-bituminous coals to do so safely and efficiently. His legacy of educating others and peer-to-peer sharing will echo throughout power plants and paper mills forever. Bill was a 27 year employee of Georgia Pacific. He served in a variety of roles during his tenure the last 12 years being Power Plant Superintendent; a role that has oversight of the mill’s power plant operations. He was also a member of the site leadership team and was known for volunteering and lending support to corporate task forces and power industry groups to advance and improve the power industry. Bill was a friend and team member who was admiringly known as a unique and brilliant engineer. He was a humble leader who sought recognition for others, not himself. He was a man who demonstrated unquestionable and absolute commitment to always doing the right thing. The outpouring of support from the GP family has left no doubt that he was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Bill had a huge passion for ultra trail running. He finished three 50 mile races and most recently he was selected in the lottery for the Leadville Trail 100 miler in Colorado. “Race across the sky” Bill, I’ll love you forever. Public viewing for Bill will be from 9am-8pm, Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Cornerstone Funeral Home with the family being at the funeral home to greet friends from 2-8pm. Funeral services celebrating Bill’s life will be at 2:30pm, Thursday, June 14, 2018 at Boulevard Christian Church with Minister Steve Moss and Elder Ernie Franklin officiating.

William A. Konefes

January 10, 1964 - June 8, 2018