Herbert H. ‘Herb’ Koenen, 93, died Oct. 11, 2014, at Pine Brook Pointe Assisted Living, surrounded by family and Seasons Hospice caregivers and all the angels and saints. He is now rejoicing in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in Heaven.
He was born on the family farm to the late Henry and Mary (Schuerman) Koenen on Dec. 24, 1920, and after Herb’s arrival, every Christmas Eve was extra special.
He grew up and lived in Burlington his whole life. He attended St. Charles Grade School and graduated from St. Mary High School. He was very proud to be a St. Mary’s High School alumni.
He worked for one of his brothers, Andy, for two years. He later rented and then owned his parent’s family farm. He started farming with horses and was known to plant the straightest cornrows in Racine County. He learned to be a good Christian by the example of his parents. After living a bachelor’s life, Herb’s twinkling eye caught sight of a fiery redhead at St. Charles, Marge Mitchell. They married on Jan. 19, 1952, and began their lives together raising their five boys on the farm. She preceded him in death on Feb. 17, 2008. He enjoyed farming, keeping Marge happy and everyone well fed.
He was a very proud member of St. Charles Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was the past president of the Consumers Cooperative Milk Haulers, a volunteer fireman for the Town of Burlington Fire Dept. for 25 years, and a past board member of the Racine County Board of Adjustment, plus countless other volunteer and helping roles. In retirement, Herb and Marge sold the family farm to the Burlington Area School District and moved into and enjoyed the Burlington city life. They had the very best neighbors, family and friends and everyone loved to visit them, especially for card club and Herb’s Christmas Eve birthday celebrations.
Survivors include his sons, Michael (Shawn) Koenen, Thomas (Renee) Koenen, David Koenen, Carl (Lynn) Koenen, Phillip (Karol) Koenen; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild and soon to be two more.
He was further preceded in death by his siblings, Agnes (Steve) Wisnefsky, Edward and Mary (Vogt) Koenen, Sister Dorothy Koenen, Andrew and Margaret (Huff) Koenen, Francis Koenen and Leonard and Marilyn (Howe) Koenen.
A very special thanks to the caregivers at Pine Brook Pointe Assisted Living and Seasons Hospice, Carol Hubbard, Deb Glessner and all of Herb’s card buddies, for their flexibility to move the sheepshead card game to Pine Brook to play their weekly card games. Herb enjoyed their company and companionship, even if he lost some card games. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Webber who is a wonderful physician and helped Herb live a very long and beautiful life.
The family will all miss Herb’s smile, kindness and sweet spirit. He was very loved by family, friends and others.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to St. Charles Church or the Town of Burlington Fire Department.
Herb’s Celebration Mass is Saturday, Oct. 18, at 12:30 p.m. at St. Charles Church. Visitation is from 10 a.m. to noon at the church. Burial will be in St. Charles Cemetery on Monday, Oct. 20, at 10:30 a.m. Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory, Burlington, is serving the family.
Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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