William Walter Konkel (Bill), beloved husband, father and grandfather, lost his struggle with myelofibrosis and peacefully passed away at his Saratoga Springs home on Tuesday, October 7, 2008, at the age of 68. He handled his illness with dignity, bravery, and his usual sense of humor. He will be missed beyond measure by those who knew and loved him. Mr. Konkel was born in the Bronx, New York, on September 30, 1940, the son of the late Eveline Anderson Konkel and Walter Konkel of College Point, Queens, New York. The most precious thing to Mr. Konkel was his family. A committed and loving husband, he married Blanche Fariello on February 6, 1960. He was a devoted and proud father to their four children and a most dedicated and affectionate grandfather to his six grandchildren. Mr. Konkel spent time teaching them life lessons about family first, getting an education, being responsible, working hard to do your best, and enjoying life. This is the legacy he has left to his children and grandchildren to carry on for generations. Among his finest qualities was Mr. Konkels strong work ethic. He was a member of the Union Carpenters Local 370 for 47 years. Not only was Mr. Konkel a carpenter, he was also a skilled floor coverer and millwright. Mr. Konkel was a Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiast and rider all of his life. In his free time, he loved being with his family, traveling, designing and building doll houses and he even completed a replica of a flat track barn, one of his proudest accomplishments. He also loved watching football and photography. In his retirement, he worked for the Saratoga Springs Racecourse as a Pinkerton and painter. Mr. Konkel was a life member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 2586 and the Vice President of the Dominick-Smaldone ITAM Post No. 35. Mr. Konkel is survived by his wife of 48 years, Blanche Konkel; his children, Deborah Fornal and her husband Martin of Ballston Spa, Donna Marie Andress and her husband Kurt of Ballston Spa, Michael Konkel and his wife Diane of Queensbury, Danielle Terry and her husband Robert, of Saratoga Springs; his grandchildren Kevan and Nikolas Strom, Ian Terry, Spencer and Lauren Andress, and Lucas Fornal; a sister, Evelyn Horsburgh and her husband William of Florida; many nieces and nephews, and several close friends. The entire Konkel family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the employees of Northeast Home Medical Equipment and Community Hospice of Saratoga, especially Bills nurse, Sandy and his on-call nurse, Kelly, who worked tirelessly to help all of us cope with this life changing situation. Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Funeral services will be held Friday, 11am at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Peters Cemetery , West Ave. Memorials may be made in Bill's name to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.