Charles Joseph Koenig, 89, of Seymour, Missouri, formerly of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away at his home on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on February 17, 1930, in Michael, Illinois, the son of Charles A. and Alma Roentz Koenig.
Charlie graduated from Jerseyville Community High School in 1948 and then enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a radio operator. He married Beulah E. Wieneke on August 16, 1952, most recently celebrating sixty-six years of marriage. Charlie was a member of St. Mary’s and St. Sebastian Catholic Churches in Wabash County, IL, and St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Ava, MO. He and his wife moved to Southwest Missouri in 2011; living on his son’s farm until his passing.
After their marriage, Charlie worked as a carpenter, building several homes in the Jerseyville area, including the first house for his new family. He then attended Southern Illinois University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, where he was part of the first class to receive the Smith Hughes Degree in Vocational Education.
Charlie’s first job after college was teaching Vocational Agriculture in Newton, Illinois. After teaching for a couple of years, he served as the Youth Advisor and assistant farm advisor with the Agricultural Extension Service in Jasper County, IL. He later accepted the Agr Extension Advisor position in Wabash County, IL, where he worked until retirement. While serving in Wabash County, Charlie helped establish the Wabash County 4-H Center and skating rink. In 1971, he attended the University of Illinois and received his Master’s Degree in Agronomy.
Charlie loved serving others and doing about anything “outdoors”, especially camping, canoeing, and fishing with family. He served on many Boards during his years as the Agr Advisor: Fair Board, Youth Foundation Board, Region 16 Man Power Committee being appointed by Governor Daniel Walker, CHIPS, WAVE, Agr Extension Council and Executive Council, Farm Bureau, Greater Wabash Health Advisory, High School Advisory Council and the WVC Advisory Council. He was a member of the Mt. Carmel Rotary, Lancaster Rotary, Lion’s Club, American Legion and the Bow Hunters Club. He also taught high school religion class at St. Mary’s and several classes at Wabash Valley College.
Charlie will be remembered by his loving wife; sons, Stephen (Jean) Koenig, Vernon (Trish) Koenig, Raymond (Tammy) Koenig, Marvin Koenig and Brian Koenig; daughter, Carolyn (Terry) Myers; fifteen grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren.
Charlie was preceded in death by a son, Alan J. Koenig; his parents; sister, Mary Jean Heath; a niece and three nephews.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Rosary Service beginning at 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 21, 2019 in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. A Visitation will follow the Rosary Service until 6:30 p.m. at the Funeral Home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2019 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church with Father Robert Zwilling officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Mount Carmel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Charlie’s memory to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or St. Sebastian Catholic Church. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home 1500 N. Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Charlie’s tribute wall and leave condolences for the Koenig family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
