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The Spartan wrestling community lost a great supporter and even better person this week. As many of you know, Joel was a constant supporter of the program and a great person. A 1978 graduate of Sparta High School, Konze started working as the custodian at the Cataract school before working his way up to the Building and Grounds Supervisor for the entire Sparta school district. In between that time, Konze was a long-time member of the Melrose school board and helped coach hundreds of Spartan wrestlers at the middle school program along with Don Hoeft.
When asked how his day was going, the typical response from Joel was “best day ever!”
Joel’s visitation will begin today from 4pm-7pm in the new gym at Sparta High School. A memorial service will begin at 7pm at the same location. To read a full obituary, click here.
You are welcome to leave memories of Joel in the comments below. The entire Spartan wrestling community’s thoughts and prayers are with the Konze family during these difficult times.
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Joel has touched many lives as he lived out his -dash- in life. He was a great role model to many and always had that addicting smile. He will be well missed.
Joel will be missed by many. My sympathy goes to his family at this very difficult time.
Our prayers go out to the family. He will be missed by many.
Thoughts and Prayers to the family
Joel was just a great guy all around, he will be dearly missed! He won’t be forgot! Love and blessings go out to his family.
Mr. Konze was my first wrestling coach, he was hard on me, so i thought! One day he made me wrestle the biggest guy on the team, i said mr. Konze why did you do that? He said chris, you are fast, tough little guy. If you can wrestle him you can wrestle anyone. I looked up to mr. Konze in a whole new way after that day. He became a great friend!
What an awesome guy – I sure miss you Joel!
The next time you hear Hawk Nelson’s song, “The Final Toast” there is no way you cannot think of Joel and have a smile doing it. Joel, no question my friend, look down on us and help all of us to make each day the best day ever.
Joel made everyone feel like you were his best friend. I’m sure we all have a favorite Joel story. I started teaching and coaching in 1977-78, Joel’s senior year. We wrestled together and each claimed the upper hand on the other. He loved wrestling and coaching middle school. That wrestling mentality carried him into his new love of running. He loved and enjoyed life and his family. I’m sure all of us are better people for having been around Joel and we will miss him very much.
Joel inspired me to run. We talked running anytime I saw him out and about at work. He cheered me at the finish at Grandma’s (my first marathon). I thought he was waiting for me. I did not find out until later that his son was finishing just minutes behind me. I was none the wiser and I will always remember his encouragement and joyful smile. I will miss our friend. Your spirit will run with me now as I run.
Joel was a great friend to my brother and wow what a friend he was, Joel , you will be terribly missed!
Joel inspired me to run. We talked running anytime I saw him out and about at work. He cheered me at the finish at Grandma’s (my first marathon). I thought he was waiting for me. I did not find out until later that his son was finishing just minutes behind me. I was none the wiser and I will always remember his encouragement and joyful smile. I will miss our friend. Your spirit will run with me now as I run.
Last night Joel’s family had memory cards of Joel running at Grandma’s Marathon and added a quote that Joel often talked about. I have found a great place for that picture in the house – it will be hung by my running shoes, reminding me daily of the love, friendship and support that he always gave to me and others that he came in contact with. I am blessed to be able to call Joel my friend.
I’ve known Joel as long as my dad has been bringing me up to the high school, which means for about 25 years. He was an awesome middle school wrestling coach. Him and Don Hoeft were like the Walter Mathau and Jack Lemon of wrestling. They made everything fun and enjoyable. It really hurts knowing I won’t be seeing him anymore when I go home, but it is absolutely awesome to see how many people he touched and know that he will always be remembered.