Obituary | Neil Konickson | Obit

Neil Ross Konickson, of Plummer, MN passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home.

Funeral service for Neil will be held on Thursday, April 17th at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plummer, MN with Rev. Jonathan Dodson & Samantha Umber officiating. Burial will be held at Clara Cemetery near Hazel, MN.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 16th from 5-7 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service at trfnews.i234.me Funeral home in Thief River Falls, MN. 

Neil Ross Konickson was born on March 10, 1958, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Neil was the son of Clarence John Konickson and Alyce Lempi Esther (Korvela) Konickson. He was baptized at Clara Lutheran Church and Confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church. He attended Pershing High School in Plummer where he was active in wrestling and football. He graduated in 1976 and continued his education at Thief River Falls AVTI for heavy equipment mechanics. While attending Technical School he worked at Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls, MN. After completion of his training in 1979, he worked at US Steel in Mt Iron, Minnesota. 

Neil was united in marriage to Virginia (Ginger) Cote at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Terrebonne, MN on March 22, 1980. From that union four children were born. 

In 1981 Neil and his family returned to Plummer, MN to farm with his dad and brothers. He also worked construction as a steelworker where he built many bridges that are still standing today. 

In 1994 he divorced and moved to the family farm where he grew up and continued to farm and work construction.

Though Neil was usually hard at work and dedicated to his farm, he would often bring his family with him to chase cattle, pick rocks, tie bales and ride in the tractor with him. If you had the pleasure of working with him, you are sure to have learned a strong work ethic. He had a deep connection to the land and enjoyed raising cows, pigs, sheep, chickens and a horse named King.

He worked for several construction companies including Adolphson Peterson Construction, BENK Construction and Construction Engineers. His work allowed for a lot of travel where he really enjoyed meeting locals and exchanging stories and jokes. Through his work he developed lifelong friendships. 

On June 14, 2003, Neil was united in marriage to Pamela Brown at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. Through that marriage he gained one more daughter. Pam and Neil were inseparable for the next 21 years.

In 2006 he began a career at the care center in Thief River Falls and later in 2008 at Sanford Clinic in housekeeping. He and Pam worked together and loved the time they had driving to and from work together. He cherished the friendships built there. He worked there until becoming ill in 2016. 

His interests included skiing, his motorcycle, fishing, hunting, storytelling, and pranking the people he loved. He also enjoyed watching a good western, anything about food or travel, especially Bizarre Foods, and a good game. Above all, Neil cherished time spent with his family and loved to have a full house filled with friends, siblings, nieces and nephews. He was always willing to give you a meal and a place to stay. He was adventurous and ambitious in all he did. 

Neil is survived by his best friend and wife, Pamela (Brown) Konickson; children: Justin (Alejandra) Konickson, Cheryl Konickson (Brett Christenson), Kelsey (Brian) Amann, Alexis (Rob) Castellano, and Kayla (Ike) Carlson; and eight grandchildren: Max, Ava, Elosie, Rozlynn, Hazel, Cora, Magnus, and Norah. He is also survived by his brothers Vernon (Carole) Konickson and Roger “Doc” (Arlys) Konickson; sister Carol (Terry) Egstad; sister-in-law Melodee Brown; his cat Spunky, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents Clarence and Alyce Konickson; siblings Doris Skredergard and Lyle Konickson; parents-in-law Don and Lee Brown; siblings-in-law Roger Niesen, Linda and Keith Erickson, Mike Brown, Steve Cote; and nieces Brenda, Kristy, Karen Camille, and Baby Konickson.

Neil’s warmth and humor will be deeply missed. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

Pam would like to extend a special thank you to their daughters and the Red River Valley Hospice team for their kindness and compassion throughout Neil’s journey.

# Neil Konickson, #