Francis B. Koenen, 94, died Oct. 18, at Pine Brook Pointe Assisted Living surrounded by his family. He was born at home on the Koenen farmstead on Nov. 28, 1917, to the late Henry and Mary (Schuerman) Koenen.
He was a lifelong resident of Burlington where he attended St. Charles Grade School and graduated from St. Mary’s High school in 1935. He started his work life as a dairy farmer, and then worked at Burlington Mills Co. creating blankets for the war effort. After that he worked at Lavelle Rubber until his retirement.
He spent his life helping people, charity organizations and the church. He dedicated much of his life assisting his sister Agnes and his disabled brother-in-law Steve. He was a very proud member of the Knights of Columbus a Past Grand Knight and a member of St. Charles parish. He has sold millions of raffle tickets in his lifetime, and could often be found calling bingo at the church fall festival and Burlington Senior Center. He delivered Meals on Wheels to those in need, into his 90s.
He was the happiest playing sheepshead, euchre and cribbage. He enjoyed visiting with his Koenen and Schuerman relatives and the friends he made at Riverview Manor.
Survivors include his brother, Herbert Koenen, Burlington, and many nieces, nephews and other loving relatives.
He was further preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Agnes (Steve) Wisnefsky, Edward and Marie (Vogt) Koenen, Sr., Dorothy Koenen, Andrew and Margaret (Huff) Koenen, Marge (Mitchell) Koenen and Leonard and Marilyn (Howe) Koenen.
Visitation is Monday, Oct. 22, from 3 p.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 6 p.m., at St. Charles Church. The Rev. Steve Amann will officiate. Burial is Tuesday, Oct. 23, at 11 a.m., at St. Charles Cemetery.
A special thanks to Pine Brook Pointe assisted living and Seasons Hospice for the wonderful care they provided Francis, and the countless family who visited when Francis needed help himself. Schuette-Daniels Family Funeral Home, Burlington, is serving the family.
In Lieu of flowers, to Francis’s service to everyone, memorials to St. Charles Church and school are suggested.
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