Martha J. Konecny, 89, of Bowling Green Ohio, died Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at 11:49 p.m., at The Willows at Bowling Green, surrounded by her loving family, and following a two-year battle with dementia.
She was born March 16, 1935, at her parents home on Mekus Road in Defiance, Ohio, to Mary C. (Willitzer) and John W. Wagner — the 14th of 16 children. She was a 1953 graduate of Jewell High School (later consolidated as Tinora H.S.). She married Charles F. Konecny on Nov. 19, 1960, by Fr. David Desmond Moore at St. Michael’s Ridge Catholic Church, Defiance.
Charles, 93, survives, and his devotion to Martha throughout their marriage was truly a beloved and breathtaking sight to behold, including his wonderful caretaking throughout Martha’s slow decline.
Their first child, Chuckie, was born Jan. 5, 1963, and passed away Jan. 30, 1964, due to complications following eye surgery.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she excelled as a homemaker, and was uniquely skilled at cooking, baking, cleaning, organizing, planning and much, much more. At the top of her list was her Roman Catholic faith, and her deep love for her remarkable and loyal husband, Charles.
Martha, also known as “Marty,” was an active and passionate member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Bowling Green, as well as St. Aloysius School. She served as a 4-H advisor, among many other roles over the years.
In addition to her husband, surviving are her children, Nancy (Dean) Rochester, Joe (Patti) Konecny, Tom (Erika) Konecny, Jim (Kelly) Konecny, and Mary (Scott) Siesel; 19 grandchildren, Laura (Brooks), Daniel (Leah), Mark (Ashley), Michael (Larissa), Jonathan, Megan, Katelyn K., Jacob, Luke, Emily, Mary, Katelyn S., Sarah, Anne, David, Matt, Justin, Jordan, Catherine; six great-grandchildren, Bailey, Charlie, Owen, Gabby, Noah, Henry; two sisters, Valeria (Jim) Barber and Marcie (Jerry) Froelich. In addition to Chuckie, preceding her in death were brothers, Carl (Donelda), Paul (Vivian), Bernard (Georgiana), Justin, John (Alice), Raymond, Walter (Joan), and James (Joan), and sisters, Irene (Cletus) Baker, Rosemary (Richard) Eisel, Grace (Connie) Cape, twin sister Mary (Menard) Gillen, and Joann (Ron) Keil.
Visitation for Martha will be Monday, Feb. 24 from 4-7 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, Bowling Green, where a Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m., St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Bowing Green, with Fr. Tom McQuillen officiating. A luncheon will be held from 11:15-12:30 p.m. at St. Aloysius. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Ridge Cemetery, Defiance around 1 p.m.
Martha’s family is grateful for the outstanding care she received at The Willows since her arrival in July 2024. The staff was so gracious, kind, patient, and above all, loving, in the most profound and compassionate ways. Additionally, assisting Martha in her final days, Care360 Hospice was exceptional.
Donations in Martha’s name can be made to St. Aloysius Catholic Church, or the Kitchen Fund (Wheeled Meals program) at Wood County Committee on Aging.
