Michael Keith Konrad of Tampa, FL, formerly of Effingham

Michael Keith Konrad passed away on July 16th after a brief illness at Oak Hill Hospital, Spring Hill, Florida.

Mike was a beloved brother, uncle, and friend to many. He was recently retired after working at Tampa Bay Times for over 30 years. He strongly believed in the power of journalism to promote a fair democracy that works for everyone. Mike played clarinet in the Hernando County Orchestra for many seasons and rarely missed a performance. Mike was also a member of the Fighting Illini Marching Band which he took great pride in. Mike's true passion was baseball. He was an original season ticket holder for the Tampa Bay Rays; he also remained an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Over the past decade, he attended games in every single baseball stadium in North America. Mike was someone who believed that we are one human race...that no one should be subject to discrimination because of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or any other trait. Over the course of his professional career Mike worked for the Effingham Daily News, the Southern Illinoisan, the Decatur Herald and the Tampa Bay Times. Mike was a compassionate reporter, supervisor, and mentor to numerous journalists where he touched many lives. He will be greatly missed by all.

Mike is survived by his brothers, Scott Konrad (wife Teresa) of Brooklyn, New York and, Kurt (wife Barbara) of Shumway, Illinois; his Uncles Bobby Devall (wife Peggy) of Effingham, Illinois and Joe Devall (wife Jeannette) of Bristol, Vermont. He is also survived by; 4 nephews Jameson, Maxwell, Caleb, and Ian Konrad;1 niece Kelsey Konrad Ferch, 2 grand-nephews Leo and August Konrad and one grand-niece Kenzlee Konrad; and numerous Devall and Konrad cousins.

He is preceded in death by his Grandparents, his father Keith, his mother Helen, and his nephew Kevin Konrad.

A private family funeral will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made in his name to the Hernando Symphony Orchestra at P.O. Box 5711 Spring Hill, Florida 34611.