Julie Ann Konchal, 61, of Grand Island, FL passed away Friday, January 12, 2024.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Julie grew up in Pleasant Ridge, MI where she attended Ferndale High School, Class of 1980. She moved to Grand Island, FL in 2020 from Dearborn, Michigan. Julie was the classic middle child from a family of 6 siblings. She loved her family and friends, bringing everyone together as often as possible. Full of spunk and life, Julie had a sharp tongue but a kind heart. She loved a great party, a good drink, and a Kenny Chesney concert.
Julie always wanted to move to Florida and finally did with her Husband Bill in 2020… But moving meant that she left part of her heart in Michigan where she had a wonderful group of friends in the “Crazy Eights” that meant so much to her which she cherished. They managed to get together for trips, concerts, rodeos, and beach or pool time as often as they could where Julie was kind of a “Malibu Barbie,” always sporting a tan. Julie was always active in her children’s lives, from serving in the PTA organizations in the Dearborn Schools they attended to the softball diamonds and fields where she coached many of their sports teams or made her presence known as a supportive fan. Every summer, her family spent time camping and making memories at Higgins Lake, Michigan, which was one of her Happy Places.
She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Bill Konchal, Grand Island, FL; son, Mark Konchal, Grand Island, FL; 2 daughters, Rachel Konchal, Dearborn, MI, Samantha Konchal, Pleasant Ridge, MI; mother, Frances Schaefer, Pleasant Ridge, MI; 3 brothers, David Schaefer, West Bloomfield, MI, Michael (Ellen) Schaefer, Pleasant Ridge, MI, Daniel (Vickie) Schaefer, Sarasota, FL; 2 sisters, Laura (David) Hyde, South Bend, IN, Sandra Sellers, Grand Island, FL; 3 sisters-in-laws, Ann Konchal, Dearborn, MI, Kathy (Eric) Freiman, Troy, MI, Tricia (Bryan) Farris, Livonia, MI; brother-in-law, Rick Stag, Cary, NC; father-in-law, Gerald Konchal, Livonia, MI. Preceded in death by her father, George N. Schaefer, mother-in-law, Jean C. Konchal, and sister-in-law, Susan M. Stag. She had 22 nieces and nephews and 15 great nieces and nephews who she jumped at the opportunity to spend time with. Her friends and family meant the world to her.
With Julie’s passing, Kenny Chesney just lost one of his biggest fans on earth. You can be sure that “When the Sun goes down, she’ll be Groovin’…
