Donald F. Konerman

Donald Frank Konerman, 78, of Indianapolis, IN passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, January 17, 2024.  He was born July 21, 1945 in Indianapolis, IN. He was known as Dad, Daddy, Brother, Uncle, Grandpa, Friend, Donk, The Don Tool, Captain Hobie, Vit Voomes (or Vumes – The sound Don would make when driving too fast) and just plain AWESOME! 

Each of us has been getting so many heartfelt condolences form friends and acquaintances who had a personal connection with him over the years, this just speaks to his wonderful, loveable nature.

He had been a maintenance man most of his life enjoying being able to fix, replace, repair, and create almost anything.  He most recently enjoyed fishing and his newest granddaughter, but loved all of his family, working on cars, and helping whenever asked. He loved bowling when he was younger, even bowling in three leagues a week until they banned smoking… He played baseball and then softball, even playing on several family teams until he was 50 years old.  

He was very close with his sister JoAnn and husband Bob Brackett. After Bob’s sudden passing in 1987 he maintained a very close relationship with Bob’s son, his nephew, Steve, who was like a second son to him. He remained close with one of his best friends from school, John Curran “JC” and wife Judy until his death in 2006 but continued to enjoy JC’s adult sons as friends.  

Don was extremely close with all his kids, but especially his son Daniel, (Red on the head…) making sure to call him every morning for the last 10 years. Initially, to be sure he was up for work, and then to chat with his best friend. He loved to visit as often as possible to see Dan’s babies. Starting with Sasha and Myia and now his favorite little redhead, Novalee, his “little booger”!  We noticed a zip lock bag with 3 dog bones and a Hershey bar ready to go for a visit to Dan and Nicole’s.   

Wendy (Eric Van Nipper) and husband Brian would talk frequently with him, and had a standing call every Thursday to catch up on the week… they always chatted during the Colts game, usually after first getting a text that said “Same ole Colts”! They enjoyed having a beer while picking up sticks, his not so favorite job at home and at the lake!  Pressure washing chores at the lake, were also a very good time!!  

Over the years he could be found at daughter Kim (Shorty Pants) and son in law Bill’s working on all the new projects that seem to come up!   Plumbing, electrical and even paint sprayers and the like… Kim usually sent him home with some homemade treats!!  The older grandkids were at Grandpas for Trick-or-treat every year until they grew out of it, but loved eating chili and hanging out “late” after.  Over the years Don tried teaching his twin granddaughters to fish but they “caught” him in the nose and ear with their bluegill hooks. He did inspire a fisherman in his grandson Garrett. His first “big” purchase was a motor for a hand-me-down boat and a decent rod and reel. Garrett was so excited when Grandpa gave him his first official bass fishing pole.  

Don could often be heard, even when he thought no one was listening, saying many of the same lines: “You’re spinning me out”, “ What the hell’s the matter with that now?”, “Why won’t you go in there?”, finally, “Everything can swim, even chickens, until their feathers get wet!”. The best one though is, “Dammit Dan!” 

He attended St. Andrew’s Church as a child going to St Andrews Catholic grade school then Cathedral High School (Class of 1963) when it was an all-men’s school located at 14^th and Meridian St. where he played hard ball 1961 & 1962. He went to SAMS Technical Institute, 1963 - 1965 where he graduated as an electrical technician.   

He was drafted in 1966, during the Vietnam War and went into the National Guard, serving at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri & Fort Benning, Georgia. He came out as a Spec. 4 radio tech. After coming back to Indiana, he continued to serve in the National Guard Reserves until 1972, while working at P. R. Mallory & Co. He then moved to CES: Custom Electronic Systems where he became close friends with one of the owners, John Trusty, before it was bought by Stanley Tool. He then worked for Castle Recycling / OmniSource before moving to Central Soya.  He retired from Central Soya / Bunge Limited, Indianapolis, IN around 2010 / 2011.  

He was a supporting member of St. Malachy Parish in Brownsburg where his daughters graduated grade school. He lived in his Clermont Heights home for over fifty years and enjoyed his neighbors!  

Survivors include his children, Wendy (Brian) Thomas, Kimberley (Bill) May and Daniel (Nicole) Konerman. His Grandchildren, Garrett May, Theresa May, Audrey May, Mylah Wheeler, Annabel Wheeler, and Novalee Konerman.  His sister, Joann Brackett and his brothers, James (Maria) Konermann, and Frank (Lori) Konermann. He was especially close to his nephew, Steve (Annette) Brackett.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Heinrich and Maria (Bruwer) Konermann  

Friends may call on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:30 am - 1:00 pm at Flanner Buchanan – Speedway, 2950 North High School Road, Indianapolis, IN 46224 with the service following at 1pm.  Burial will be immediately following services at West Ridge Park Cemetery, 9295 W 21^st St. Indianapolis, IN 46234. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: https://www.flannerbuchanan.com/obituaries/donald-konerman  

Don was a very generous man and gave to many charities consistently over the years as seen by the number of free gifts such as bags, and socks, and cards, etc…  often trying to “share” them with one of his kids!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his honor to the following, envelopes will be provided at Flanner Buchanan:  

Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Augustine Home (where his father had lived): 

https://www.littlesistersofthepoorindianapolis.org/our-giving-opportunities/ 

2345 W. 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260

Or 

Wheeler Mission:  https://wheelermission.org/donate-to-wheeler/?utm_source=PaidAdWords&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2KitBhCIARIsAPPMEhK2VqLnH3W8-EBgv_rsYZ1_GNDbgPu37vgAyxQF6gloNHg_I5EonWAaApR7EALw_wcB  

PO Box 3085
Indianapolis, IN 46206