Bronis J. "Skip" Kontrim's Obituary
Bronis John “Skip” Kontrim, LTC (USA-Ret) of Bartlett, TN entered into the Lord’s eternal care on Sunday, October 9, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Throughout his life, which began in Boston, Massachusetts, on August 3, 1943, he had many names: Bronis, Bronie, Skip, Uncle Bronie, Daddy, Dad, and his recent favorite, Grandpa. Among his many talents was a skilled hobby in carpentry; his exquisite wood work fills our homes. Bronis attended the University of Tennessee where he earned both Bachelors and Master Degrees in Civil Engineering, as well as an abiding passion for Vol Football. He also enjoyed his beloved basset hounds over the years; they will miss his table scraps. He was a parishioner of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bartlett, and was proud of his Lithuanian heritage and enjoyed his membership to the Lithuanian Museum (Chicago).Aside from his family, he was most proud, as are we, of his dedicated service to our country. As a career officer in the US Army Corps of Engineers, he had various duty tours that took him all over the country and the world, including action in Vietnam where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. He retired from the Army in 1990 having served roles in the Corps and General Staff, and receiving multiple additional medals including the Legion of Merit. If you ever asked him his occupation, though, he would simply respond, “Soldier.”He leaves to mourn and celebrate him his loving wife of 49 years Vivian “Beth” Kontrim (nee Wilson) of Bartlett, daughters Stephanie (Jeff) Baumann of St. Charles, MO and Kathryn Kontrim of Memphis, grandchildren Samuel and Anna-Kate, sister Loretta (Robert) Walker of Bedford, Massachusetts , brother-in-law Rick (Karen) Wilson of Atlanta, GA and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bronis L Kontrim and Anna D Kontrim.The family will receive guests on Thursday, October 13 from 5 until 7 at Memorial Park, Memphis, and services will be Friday, October 14 at 11:30 am, also at Memorial Park. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery to follow at a later date. The family requests memorials be sent to the American Legion or St. Ann Catholic Church, 6529 Stage Rd, Bartlett, TN.”
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