Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be held Tuesday, September 29th from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at St. Dominic’s. A prayer service will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Service: Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Canton, SD.
Livestream: Click here
Paul Konietzko, age 67, died peacefully Sunday, September 20, 2026 at the Sioux Falls VA Hospice Cottage. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Canton, SD. Visitation, with family present, will be held Tuesday, September 29th from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at St. Dominic’s. A prayer service will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Leo Paul Konietzko, Jr., known to most simply as Paul, came into the world on October 23, 1958, welcomed by his sisters, Karla and Stephanie, completing the Konietzko family. From the very beginning, he affectionately became known as the “favorite.”
Paul graduated from Canton High School in 1977 and went on to earn a multiple master’s degrees in Music Arts from the University of South Dakota. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE and later at Hickam Air Force in Oahu, Hawaii, performing as a keyboardist for the Air Force Band Night Wing. His years in the Air Force brought him lifelong friendships and countless memories. He retired after 20 years as a Technical Sergeant E-6. After his father passed away, Paul returned to Canton to care for his mother. He later made this childhood home his own, welcoming family back for holidays. He loved to bake, sharing treats like his famous anise candy at Christmas time.
Paul was deeply involved in his community. He fulfilled a lifelong dream when he opened Paul’s Place. Many came together there to share a meal while being serenaded by Paul playing his baby grand piano. After the restaurant closed, Paul continued serving others as a cook at the VFW and enjoyed working at the local hardware store. Music remained woven into nearly every part of his life. He was the organist at his home parish, St. Dominic’s, and was also the music director at Canton Lutheran, where he especially looked forward to directing the Christmas Cantata. He played for countless weddings and funerals. He also served as a Canton City Commissioner, and was on the boards for Forest Hill Cemetery and Love INC. Most recently, he was selected to be the recipient of the Fine Arts category of the Canton Community Hall of Fame.
Paul was gracious and patient. He was present not only for his nieces and nephew, but for their children as well. Several years ago, Paul began giving his great-nephew, Kameron, piano lessons. When they began, neither of them could have known what an extraordinary gift that time together would become. He taught him that music could be a language of its own—and, in many ways, how to pray without words.
Even as he became increasingly ill, Paul rarely complained. He carried his illness with a quiet strength and grace. In his final days, Paul seemed to live his faith more completely than ever. He served God. He served his family. He served his community. He served his country. He was generous in life, and he was generous in passing.
Paul was met in heaven by his parents, Leo and Claretta; his sister, Karla Esser; his brother-in-law, Curt Stensland; his niece, Leslie Larson; and his nephew, Cade Stensland. He leaves behind his sister, Stephanie Stensland; nieces, Courtney Stensland (Billy Viereck), Lisa Esser (Steve Blumke), and Cassidy Hawf (Bubba); niece-in-law, Christina Stensland; his beloved cats, Garfield and Gabriel; and many great-nieces and great-nephews whom he loved as his own.
He also leaves behind the many lifelong friends, including his “besties” Craig Jacobs and Nancy Bjork, and the many friends he made through music and in the community.
So sorry to hear of this loss. He was a very kind and helpful man.
So sorry to hear of this loss. He was a very kind and helpful man. Will definitely be missed.
You will be missed. Condolences to his family
I attended high school in Canton w with Paul as he was in my class . He was a very talented guy in many ways, music especially. He thoroughly enjoyed the times he spent with his restaurant going into Canton, playing piano music for his patrons.He also was very kind to everyone.
Paul was a very nice man & so very talented in music.
He’ll be missed
Paul was a very nice man & so very talented in music.
He’ll be missed
SUCH A NICE MAN WITH SO MUCH TALENT. HE WILL BE MISSED BY SO VERY MANY PEOPLE. PRAYERS FOR STEPH AND ALL OF THE FAMILY ON YOUR GREAT LOSS. MAY GOD COMFORT YOU ALL.
Paul’s beautiful music and talent and friendly personality will be missed in Canton! Deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Hope Heaven is enjoying some wonderful music, Paul Konietzko style!
Deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Hope Heaven is enjoying some wonderful music, Paul Konietzko style!
We enjoyed Paul’s gift of music at Canton Lutheran Church on Sundays. Paul’s talent was a treasure. He played until the very end which is truly inspiring. Memory Eternal, Paul.
Paul was a gift to Canton and to each of us who received the gift of knowing him. What a loving, giving, caring, loyal, and talented man! I knew Paul since kindergarten, and I loved him the whole way.
Thank God for giving us Paul!
Paul will be deeply missed.
My condolences to Paul’s loved ones. You are in my prayers.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Paul was such a talented, kind, thoughtful, Brother, Uncle, Son, and friend to so many. He will be forever missed. Sending so much love and so many hugs to you, Stephanie and to the rest of your family. Prayers for God to carry you and wrap you up in peace and comfort . We love you and are praying.
Stephanie and family, Dave and I are so so sorry for your loss.😢🙏 Prayers for you as you continue on your grief journey. Jesus will carry you through these difficult times. We will be praying for you.
Stephanie and family,
We are so sorry for your loss and pray that Jesus will carry you through this difficult grief journey you have been on. 🙏😢
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all who knew Paul. What a wonderfully talented and beautiful soul! He spread so much joy and gentleness into this world. He will be deeply missed.
Paul was such an incredible pianist and musician! The Canton community has lost an amazing person and we will so miss his leadership in worship. Prayers for all family members.
I have nothing but fond memories of our shared time with the USAF Heartland of America Band. To all who read this, Paul’s reach was wide, and his impression immediate, lasting, and carrying a warm smile. My sincere condolences to Paul’s family and all of those who feel his loss.
Dear Stephanie, Oh my, I’m so sorry for your loss of Paul. Roger and I loved going to Paul’s Place for dinner. His playing was awesome and so was the food! I didn’t realize he was your brother. You know girl, you have had more then your fair share of loss. I feel your pain. Hugs!
I’m sad to hear about Paul passing he was the most kindest gentleman when I went to Canton Farm and home always so willing to help you if you had a hiccup……. Paul will be missed by many because of his kind heart …..
Lynn Vaksdal
Loved Paul music 🎶 love & prayers sent for comfort 🎶🎶🎶❤️
Loved Pauls music 🎶 love & prayers sent for comfort 🎶🎶🎶❤️
Paul was a wonderful friend to many. He came with Nancy to Mayo to visit us during one of our many of Tim’s medical journeys and he was there when we said Good Bye to Tim. Heaven has gained an incredible musician!
Paul was a very good man. He never mentioned his health when I ran into him. But he always asked about mine.
paul was always a joy to run into. a super nice and friendly guy. condolences to his family
My deepest condolences to all the family.
Sincerely,
Sally Wagner
Paul was one of the most talented musicians I have ever known. He was a loyal friend and always had time to talk to you. He was an asset to his community. My condolences to his family.
I was so sorry to hear that Paul had passed away. He was a great person and musician, also very kind. He will surely be missed by all that knew him.
I was truly blessed to have been in the presence of such an incredible man, when I would assist at Canton Lutheran. There a few people I have met that truly live out God’s love for all, like Paul did. May grace and peace surround all.
The loss of Paul is a loss to our whole Community. He was a kind and giving man and he will be so missed. I loved singing in the community choirs when Paul was Director. Our whole family loved going to Paul’s Place and enjoyed listening to him there on the piano too. He always had a shy smile for everyone and was a calm presence. He was one of the good ones.
Paul shared his gift for music with Canton Lutheran Church, and especially the choir, as our accompanist. His love and joy brought out the best in us, especially during the Christmas cantatas. He was so patient with us, and made it fun. Rest in peace Paul, and know you will be dearly missed.
We are so saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. We extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to your family.
I am thankful for Paul. He was not only talented, but he used this for so many people’s good. What a legacy! God bless his memory. And may you, his family, be comforted by all the wonderful things he touched during his life.
Paul was our pianist for our wedding at Canton Lutheran a few years ago and helped make our day so special. We will miss hearing him play at Canton Lutheran services. Prayers for his family.
Paul was our pianist for our wedding. His personality and talent was such a wonderful and cherished part of our special day.
We will never forget him and will miss him at Canton Lutheran services. Thank you, Paul. 🙏🏼
RIP, my friend. You made this world a better place, and I will miss you.
I’m deeply saddened by the loss of a great man, friend, and St. Jude Hero! Paul was always sympathetic to the needs of others, always putting their needs over his. I consider Paul to be the leader of the 1% club. I personally will always remember what Paul did for me and the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and take a lesson from his passing.
As a member of the Strategic Air Command Band from the 1980’s, Paul continuously lead others with a generous smile never really complaining about life.
I will miss his smile, attitude, and his Christian way!
R.I.P. MY Friend.
Jessica and I had known Paul since we were in grade school, and although time and distance severely limited our times together, Paul was always a part of the Jacobs family. He will be greatly missed.
I am very sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He was a kind and gentle man with a giant gift of music. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in the arms of Jesus.
We are so incredibly sorry. Our heart hurts for you and your family. You’ve always been so special to our family, and we hope you know how much you are loved. There really aren’t words that can make a loss like this easier, but we are here for you in any way you need. Sending you so much love, strength ❤️
I knew Paul in the Air Force Band. His persistent good humor and positivity was a lesson to me. Somewhere there’s a photo of the band wearing ‘No Oberon’ t-shirts, a beaming group of young bandsmen about to board the bus for a tour of Nebraska — that was Paul’s doing. He inspired happiness and mirth with his sharp wit. I will remember him with great fondness, and offer sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Thinking of everyone as you remember Paul and his incredible life. Paul was always a warm and loving man, he will be missed.
I worked with Paul in the Strategic Air Command Band in Nebraska. Paul was a fantastic musician with a wonderful sense of humor and kind heart. I am so sad that he is gone so early, but know that he is looking down on us from heaven with a smile on his face.
Rest easy, buddy.
Our world is grieving with the passing of one of the “great” ones. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul. I truly feel blessed for the moments we had together, traveling together, grieving the loss of our parents together, and a shared love of all things Christmas. His Air Force family, dear friends, family, church family, community family are all grieving. “Life is a Musical”. Until we all meet again!
Thank you for streaming the service. Sending love from Alaska