Gail Leon Konken

Gail Leon Konken, 76 of Ponca, Nebraska passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024 at a Sioux City nursing home after a courageous battle against cancer. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 30, 2024 at Salem Lutheran Church in Ponca, Nebraska with Reverend Chuck Stanga officiating. Burial will follow at Silver Ridge Cemetery of rural Ponca with Military Honors offered by the United States Navy Reserves with weapons salute offered by the local American Legion Post 117 of Ponca. Visitation, with the family present, will be one hour prior to services at the church on Monday morning. 

Gail was born on December 10, 1947 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Marvin and Loretta (Patent) Konken. He received his education in Coleridge Nebraska, graduating with the Class of 1966 before continuing at Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska through 1967. Gail served in the United States Navy from 1968 until 1972 as a Seabee. Upon his honorable discharge, Gail received numerous awards, including the Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. 

Gail married Linda Anderson in Martinsburg, Nebraska on May 21, 1982. Home has always been Ponca, Nebraska for Gail, and he worked as a diesel mechanic for Zeigler of Sioux City for many years. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post 15028 (Nebraska Member At Large), having served as Legion Commander for 27 years. Gail also was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 0117 for 38 years. He enjoyed collecting watch fobs, attending toy shows, and going to auctions with antique tractors. 

Gail is survived by his children Leon Konken, Eugenia Konken, and Melissa Konken, all of Sioux City, Iowa; brothers Galen Konken of Sterling, Colorado and Greg (Sue) Konken of Lennex, South Dakota; five grandchildren; one great-grandson; several cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Gail was preceded in death by his father Marvin Konken, mother Loretta (Konken) Hahn, step-father Louis Hahn, wife Linda, brother Gary Konken, and sister-in-law Marsha Konken.