Kelly Koenig

Kelly Loy Koenig passed away on June 2nd, 2013 surrounded by his family. He battled a rare neurological disease, corticobasal degeneration, for several years. He leaves behind his adoring wife Karla and two amazing children, Kelly (Abbey) Koenig II and Karin Koenig. All who knew Kel knew he loved his family more than anything, loved helping his friends and having a good time. Kel was born on April 28th, 1953, the youngest of four siblings. Kel attended the University of Idaho and then served in the Air Force where he was stationed in Florida. Kel decided to return to the Midwest after his service and attended Iowa State University where he began his construction career. Kel married his high school sweetheart, Karla Ruen, on Oct 27th, 1973 and together they raised two fine children. They lived in Iowa, Florida and Arizona before they moved to Waunakee, WI in 1989. Kel was the most devoted father, he never missed a game of his kids, he loved cheering them on in football, basketball, volleyball and soccer. Sometimes he would climb the fence to put his blanket down on the bleachers for his son's football games. His daughter and he loved their motorcycle rides together on his Harley. Planning surprises for his family brought such joy to him and the family trips hold dear memories for us all. Kel loved playing guitar and singing, especially with his dad and brothers. You could always count on Kel to lend a hand to anyone that needed help. Kel enjoyed the community of Waunakee and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus where he enjoyed running the bingo for the Parish festival for many years. Many friendships were formed in Waunakee; he loved the trips to Mexico with the Card Club gang, the golfing, the pool parties and the trips to his beloved cabin on the Mississippi river. Never did he hire someone to fix anything, he tackled all projects and designed the house he built on the golf course. He was most proud of that project and enjoyed many hours in his theater room watching sports and movies.

Kel is survived by his wife Karla, his son Kelly (Abbey) and daughter Karin of Madison, father Verne of Decorah, IA, siblings Bonnie (Tom) Daleness of West Allis, Gary (Peggy) Koenig of Broomfield, CO, and Jody (Kathleen) Koenig of Texas. He will be dearly missed by all his in-laws and nieces/nephews. Kelly was preceded in death by his mother Ardith Koenig and his mother-in-law Bev White.

Funeral services will be held on Sat. June 8, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St John's Catholic Church, 209 South St.,Waunakee, A visitation will be held at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home 5785 Hwy Q in Waunakee,WI. on Friday June 7, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Sat. from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Full military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 360 Honors Unit. The family would like to give many thanks to Agrace Hospice, Dr. Bill Ranum and Dr. Brad Boeve of Mayo Clinic.

**Kel's first grandchild, Kelly and Abbey's daughter, Katherine "Kate" Elizabeth Beverly Koenig, was born on June 5th. Kel will be an extra special grandpa watching over Kate from above.