Calvin Koenig, 16 Mar 1927 - 18 Nov 2017

KOENIG, KAHL, RIEDESEL, ALDERMAN, GEHRING

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 6/26/2018 at 13:45:22

Funeral service for Calvin Koenig, 90, Cedar Rapids, formerly of Middle Amana, will be held will at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at First Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids. He died Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, at Northbrook Manor Care Center, Cedar Rapids.

Burial with military honors will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Wheatland.

The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 24, at First Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids.

Murdoch Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Marion, is in charge of arrangements. Memories may be shared at www.murdochfuneralhome.com.
Memorials may be made to the Alburnett Music Boosters, the Amana Art Guild. or First Presbyterian Church.

Calvin Koenig was born March 16, 1927, in Reedsburg, Wis., one of two sons to Gustav and Lydia (Kahl) Koenig. He was a 1945 graduate of Reedsburg High School. He was an army veteran of World War II. While he served with the United States Army, he drove a truck and also played the saxophone in the 245th Army Ground Force Band throughout Italy.

Following the war, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Platteville, Wis., earning a bachelor’s degree in music education. He was employed with the Amana Community Schools, where he was the founding band and choir director, and also taught history.

On October 22, 1960, he married Arlene Claire Riedesel in Grand Mound. To this union, three children and 10 grandchildren were born. He also worked as a courier with Purolator until his retirement. During his retirement, Calvin worked at the visitors and convention bureau as well as gave tours in Amana.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, the Amana Art Guild, and the Circus Fan Club of America. He was also a former Scout Master of the Amana Boy Scout Troop 222 and was an avid golfer, who collected many golf balls, was proud to accomplish and celebrate at least one hole in one. He enjoyed writing stories and poetry.

Calvin was like a special grandpa “Opa” to many children. He was known as “Opa” to everyone. He spent time being Santa Claus, making bird houses, and made the blue bird trail north of Middle Amana. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildrens’ music and sporting events or activities. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Koenig is survived and lovingly remembered by his children, Claire (Eddie) Alderman, Orlando, Fla.; Philip (Lyn) Koenig, Poynette, Wis., and Susan (David) Gehring, Toddville; 10 grandchildren, Aurora, Mollie, Gage, Logan, Maggie, Olivia (Job), Grant, Calvin, Caroline and Evie; and one niece and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arlene; brother, Garfield Koenig; and one nephew.

The Journal Tribune, 29 Nov 2017
The Gazette, 19 Nov 2017