Calvin Koenig
March 16, 1927 — November 18, 2017
Calvin Koenig, 90, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Middle Amana, passed from this life on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at Northbrook Manor Care Center, in Cedar Rapids. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m., on Friday, November 24, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church, located at 310 – 5th Street S.E. in Cedar Rapids. Funeral services will be at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, November 25, 2017, at the church. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Wheatland, Iowa. Murdoch Funeral Homes & Cremation Service in Marion is assisting the family with arrangements.
Calvin was born on March 16, 1927, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, one of two sons to Gustav and Lydia (Kahl) Koenig. He was a 1945 graduate of Reedsburg High School in Reedsburg. Calvin was an Army veteran of World War II. While he served with the United States Army, Calvin drove a truck and also played the saxophone in the 245th Army Ground Force Band throughout Italy. Following the war, Calvin graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Platteville, Wisconsin earning a bachelor’s degree in music education. He was employed with Amana Community Schools, where he was the founding band and choir director and also taught history. On October 22, 1960, Calvin was united in marriage to Arlene Claire Riedesel in Grand Mound, Iowa. To this union, three children and 10 grandchildren were born. Calvin also worked as a courier with Purolator until his retirement.
During his retirement, Calvin worked at the Visitors and Convention Bureau and gave tours, both in Amana. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, the Amana Art Guild and the Circus Fan Club of America. Calvin also was a former scoutmaster of Amana Boy Scout Troop 222.
Calvin was an avid golfer, who collected many golf balls and 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. Calvin spent time being Santa Claus, making bird houses, and made the Blue Bird Trail north of Middle Amana. Most of all, Calvin enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s music and sporting events or activities.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived and lovingly remembered by his children, Claire (Eddie) Alderman of Orlando, Florida, Philip (Lyn) Koenig of Poynette, Wisconsin, and Susan (David) Gehring of Toddville, Iowa; 10 grandchildren, Aurora, Mollie, Gage, Logan, Maggie, Olivia (Job), Grant, Calvin, Caroline and Evie; and one niece and two nephews.
Calvin was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arlene; brother, Garfield Koenig; and one nephew.
In lieu of flowers, the family will direct any memorial contributions to the Alburnett Music Boosters, the Amana Art Guild, or First Presbyterian Church.
Calvin was born on March 16, 1927, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, one of two sons to Gustav and Lydia (Kahl) Koenig. He was a 1945 graduate of Reedsburg High School in Reedsburg. Calvin was an Army veteran of World War II. While he served with the United States Army, Calvin drove a truck and also played the saxophone in the 245th Army Ground Force Band throughout Italy. Following the war, Calvin graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Platteville, Wisconsin earning a bachelor’s degree in music education. He was employed with Amana Community Schools, where he was the founding band and choir director and also taught history. On October 22, 1960, Calvin was united in marriage to Arlene Claire Riedesel in Grand Mound, Iowa. To this union, three children and 10 grandchildren were born. Calvin also worked as a courier with Purolator until his retirement.
During his retirement, Calvin worked at the Visitors and Convention Bureau and gave tours, both in Amana. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, the Amana Art Guild and the Circus Fan Club of America. Calvin also was a former scoutmaster of Amana Boy Scout Troop 222.
Calvin was an avid golfer, who collected many golf balls and 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. Calvin spent time being Santa Claus, making bird houses, and made the Blue Bird Trail north of Middle Amana. Most of all, Calvin enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s music and sporting events or activities.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived and lovingly remembered by his children, Claire (Eddie) Alderman of Orlando, Florida, Philip (Lyn) Koenig of Poynette, Wisconsin, and Susan (David) Gehring of Toddville, Iowa; 10 grandchildren, Aurora, Mollie, Gage, Logan, Maggie, Olivia (Job), Grant, Calvin, Caroline and Evie; and one niece and two nephews.
Calvin was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arlene; brother, Garfield Koenig; and one nephew.
In lieu of flowers, the family will direct any memorial contributions to the Alburnett Music Boosters, the Amana Art Guild, or First Presbyterian Church.
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