Fr. Stanley J. Konieczny, OFS, 70, of Smithton, born April 14, 1955, in East St. Louis, died Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at his residence.
After graduating from Assumption High School in East St. Louis, he received a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary University in San Antonio and a master’s from Washington University in St. Louis.
Before pursuing his seminary studies at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Fr. Stan was a writer and associate editor of The Messenger and communications director for the Adorers of the Blood of Christ at Ruma. He was ordained to the priesthood June 3, 2006, by Bishop Edward Braxton.
Prior to his ordination, he interned with Fr. Ray Schultz at Holy Trinity Parish in Fairview Heights. Fr. Konieczny was assigned as an associate at St. Augustine Parish in Belleville from 2006-2009, and Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Waterloo from 2009-2010.
In 2010, he was named the pastor of St. Liborius Parish in St. Libory and St. Anthony Parish in Lively Grove from 2010-2011. He was named Reverend of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in 2011 and graciously served his parish until his passing.
Fr. Stan served as the chaplain with the Knights of Columbus Council 14851 in Smithon and held the position of spiritual assistant with the Secular Franciscan Order, St. Peter’s Fraternity, in Belleville. He also enjoyed having Masses at Poor Clares Monastery every Saturday morning.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Stanley and Dorothy, nee Brud, Konieczny; and many dear aunts, uncles, cousins.
He is survived by his aunt, Clare Brud; his cousins, Delores Fronczak, Barbara Trester, Frank (Joann) Sellers Jr., Sam Miller, John Venarsky, Charles (Evelyn) Venarsky, Debbie Popovchak-Erickson, Lynn Conrad, Paula (Rich) Brown, Mike (Amy) Konieczny and Suzanne (Chris) Watkins; many other dear extended family members; and a Godfather to many.
The family would also like to thank the entire parish of St. John the Baptist and all the other parishioners that he served elsewhere, for their love and care for him and his family throughout the years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John the Baptist School Building Fund, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy, to a charity of donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation was held May 13 and May 14 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Belleville.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held May 14 at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Belleville. Msgr. William McGhee officiated.
Burial was at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Smithton.
