Kenneth H. Konkle, 89, of Burlington and formerly of Bedford, died peacefully August 5, 2021. He was raised in Cincinnati and was the son of the late Philip J. and Fern B. (Green) Konkle.

In 1954, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, followed by a Master's degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1956. After completing his education, he worked at MIT's Lincoln Laboratories for 40 years and was involved in the design of early digital computers.

Ken was a kind and gentle man. He was a sweet, loving and lovable husband to Patricia, his wife of 69 years. A father of six, he was devoted to his family. When the children were little he read books to them every night. He worked with his son's Scout troop, enjoyed canoeing and camping with the family, and taught his children about gardening and his love of birds. As an engineer, he fixed everything that broke in the house and kept the home painted and well-maintained.

Ken had many interests and was always curious and learning. He read books of wide and varied kinds. He learned how to grow vegetables and had a large garden. He had several bird feeders and loved to identify birds. He had several beehives for a number of years. He enjoyed wood carving. During his retirement, he and Patricia traveled overseas and to many Elder Hostels in the US.

Ken was a longtime active member of the First Church of Christ Congregational in Bedford, where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent, oversaw the pledge campaign for 15 years, and co-chaired the church's building committee. He was also a volunteer at the Bedford Free Public Library and at Emerson Hospital in their transport department.

Ken is survived by his loving wife Patricia (Barrett) Konkle; six children, fourteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren: Laura Konkle-King of Sioux Center IA and her children Caitlin Muth and husband Kent, Joanna Thompson and husband Andrew, and Allison King; Philip Konkle of Boxborough MA and his wife Deborah and their children Scott and Janis; Deborah Konkle-Parker of Ridgeland MS and her husband Jeff Parker and their children Joel Parker and wife Amy and grandchildren Madeleine and Abigail, Sarah Bedi and husband Richard and their children Eli and Cameron, and Zachary Clein; Rebecca Konkle of Carlisle MA and her husband Michael Ramnarine and their children Christine, Emily and Catherine; Katherine Konkle of Chelmsford MA and her partner Paul Forte; and Barbara Evangelista of Westford MA and her husband Troy and their children Benjamin, Megan and Sam. He is also survived by his brother Robert Konkle of Longmont CO and his wife Vivian.

A private interment will take place, followed by calling hours on Friday, September 10, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the First Church of Christ Congregational, 25 Great Rd, Bedford. A memorial service will be held at the First Church of Christ Congregational, 25 Great Rd, Bedford, on Saturday, September 11, at 11:00 AM, followed by a collation.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First Church of Christ Congregational, 25 Great Rd, Bedford MA 01730 or to Avita Memory Care, Stonebridge at Burlington, 50 Greenleaf Way, Burlington MA 01803.