Barry James Konigson

Konigson, Barry J. Our beloved Barry passed away peacefully at Martin Luther Care Center at the age of 74 on April 30, 2024. Barry, a devoted son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend was born on Veteran's Day, November 11, 1949, to Alvar (Al Sr.) and Ione Konigson. Barry grew up in Edina, graduating from Edina High School in 1967. He attended the University of Minnesota, graduating not only with a degree in Political Science, but with a lifelong devotion to the Minnesota Gophers. Countless joy-filled summers were spent with several generations of Konigsons at the family cabin on Bone Lake, Wisconsin, where Barry, along with his brother, Al Jr., honed his fishing skills. Beginning at the age of 10 and continuing until his late 60's, Barry and the family enjoyed many walleye fishing trips to Canada. Another joy in Barry's life was time he spent at the Eagles Club in Minneapolis where he became great friends with the bartenders, wait staff and regulars. Barry's professional career spanned several decades working as a department manager at Lintex/Encompass, beginning in his early 20's and ending when he retired at the age of 67. Barry was a lifelong bachelor, fiercely independent, devoted to his work and would often tell his family he could not join them at the cabin, on vacations or take weekends off. He was saving that for retirement. Barry retired on April 1, 2017. He told his brother, Al Jr., he was looking forward to finally doing in retirement all that he had postponed. Ten days later, on April 11, 2017, Barry's life changed forever. On that day, Barry suffered a massive heart attack. He spent weeks in a medically-induced coma, intubated, on life support. When Barry woke up, due to severe lack of blood supply to his brain, he found out he had gone blind, lost his short term memory, would never return home or be able to independently care for himself. He would be confined to a wheelchair in a nursing home for the rest of his life. Barry's new life, a life he never envisioned, began at Martin Luther Care Center in Bloomington on July 21, 2017, where he remained for nearly 7 years until his death. At Martin Luther he was given unparalleled care and friendship by the wonderful staff and volunteers. He adored them, challenged them, probably frustrated them and, yet, they remained devoted to him while they were also caring for so many others. Barry, even though now blind, would join any activity he could and would often roll himself off his 2nd floor unit, into the elevator and outside to get fresh air. Over the years, Barry lost many friends at Martin Luther and learned to not get too close since most were much older and their time in a nursing home was often short-lived. But one friend in particular, Joe (Taki) became Barry's dearest friend. Barry and Joe spent countless hours chatting together in the hallway about everything and nothing. Joe would become Barry's eyes, reading him his daily menus, making sure that Barry was well cared for. In the last year of his life, Barry's breathing became even more compromised. His days were often centered around his concern for running out of air. The nursing and care staff were incredibly attentive to Barry as they filled his portable oxygen tank multiple times throughout the day, while taking care of all his daily needs. Barry's family will be forever grateful for the unparalleled loving care and kindness Barry received from the caregivers, staff, volunteers and residents at Martin Luther. Although his blindness and physical challenges could cause great frustration and pain, Barry handled it with grace, humility, inner strength and kindness, all while keeping his sense of humor, generous nature and deep gratitude for others. Barry was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived and will be deeply missed by his stepmother, Joan Konigson, his brother, Al (Carol) Konigson, stepsisters, Carol (Stuart) Lavalier, Janet Wilson, nieces, Kim (Marty) Branum, Tracy Konigson, nephew, Todd (Maria) Konigson, their mother, Carol Konigson, grandnephews, Shawn Appleton, Justin Appleton, Logan Konigson, Jack Konigson, grandnieces, Jennifer Appleton, Olivia Konigson, step grandnephews, Andrew Lavalier, Joseph Lavalier, Sean Kehren, Nicholas Kehren, step grandniece, Emily Lavalier, great grandnieces, Aryanna, Audrey, Jaycee, Amyiah, Kennedy, Paisley, Lennon, great grandnephews, David, Harrison, as well as many treasured friends including Rick (Ellen) Leyh, Dick (Carol) Thompson, Joe (Taki) & Helawe. Please join us in celebrating Barry's life at his Memorial service on Friday, June 14th, 2:00 pm, Christ Presbyterian Church, Edina. Visitation one hour prior. If you so choose, memorials appreciated to Tunnel to Towers. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Dawn Valley Chapel 952-941-7686

Tributes

Barry James Konigson

November 11, 1949 - April 30, 2024

Tributes

Barry James Konigson

November 11, 1949 - April 30, 2024

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