William Koniarski

William Otto Koniarski, age 91 of Belle Plaine, died Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at the Kingsway Retirement Living in Belle Plaine. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1st at St. John Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine. Rev. Mark Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be from 9am until service time at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Belle Plaine. Bill was born on December 12, 1922 to Gustav and Elfriede (Leimkuhler) Koniarski in Schweimke, Germany. He came to the United States with his parents and sister on September 22, 1924. He was united in marriage to Leona Meierbachtol on May 4, 1944. They were blessed with two children. They made their home in Belle Plaine Twp. where they lived for 63 years. Bill was very active in his community. He began his community involvement as Belle Plaine Township supervisor. He went on to serve as church council member, Scott County Fair Board member and served 32 years as Scott County commissioner. While serving as county commissioner Bill was elected president of the MN Association of Counties which led to appointment to the National Association. Bill had the opportunity to meet several presidents and other dignitaries. As a result of his lobbying in Washington, D.C. he was instrumental in the construction of the Bloomington Ferry Bridge. He was proud of his German heritage and was honored to be chosen the Grand Marshal of the German Day Parade in Belle Plaine. Bill enjoyed playing cards, participating in Bible study and watching all sports especially baseball. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his daughter, Bonnie White of Elko, MN and son, Larry (Diane) Koniarski of Belle Plaine; 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Jean Meierbachtol and Arlina Baumann and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Leona in 2007; son-in-law, David White; sister, Hilda Stier,; brothers-in-law Jack Meierbachtol, Martin and Harold Baumann and sister-in-law, Mae Oldenburg.

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