Robert (Bob) Koenck passed away Monday, September 25th at Season’s Hospice House after a long hard-fought battle with dementia.
Bob was born at home on the farm in Boyer, Iowa on January 13, 1933, the third oldest of eventually 11 brothers and sisters. Family was always a major part of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Marie (Wiese) Koenck, brothers Bill (Johnnie), Paul (Marianne), Loyal (Susie), Merlyn, and Larry, as well as sisters Eileen (Lyle) Geer, Jeanne (Larry) Larkin and Gail
Camelin. Two siblings survive, David (Kathy) and Kay (Chuck) Steinberg and many nieces and nephews.
Upon graduation from high school when he was only 17 years old Bob enlisted in the army and spent almost two years in Korea. His experience in Korea keeping electronic communications systems working during the war negotiations with North Korea prepared him well for his eventual acceptance of a position with IBM. He retired from IBM in 1991 after 35 years of varied and successful positions.
After returning from Korea in 1953 he married Dolores Wendt. They had four children, Daughter Wanda (Ed Graddy), children Jessica (Jean Luc) Kamin, grandchildren Helaina and Luca; Ben Hodge and grandchildren Javan and Brogan. Son Neal (Denise) Koenck, children JoAnne (Dean) Charles, grandchildren Brylee and Ava; Bradley (Sara) and grandchildren Drew, Adelia and Dane; Becky (Eric) Adams, grandchildren Brody and Jackson. Son Rick (Nancy) Koenck and Beth Koenck. Dolores and Bob were eventually divorced. Bob married Barbara (Melius) Vukson in 1982 and with that a new blended family was created with the addition of Barb’s daughters Dawn Vukson and Beth (Greg) Hostetter (children Allison Hostetter, Christine (Dave) Stanich and grandchildren Carter and Grant.
Special thanks to the many people who loved and cared for Bob along his journey: Dr Thomas Jaeger, Dr David Burkholder, Season’s Hospice, Season’s Hospice House, Cascade Creek Memory Care, and Ron Strong, Elder Network.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
Memories and condolences of Bob may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
Dear Barb and Family,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. We have fond remembrances of your time with us at Trinity in Bemidji. God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time, knowing he is now resting in the arms of our Savior. Sending hugs.
Ron and Deb Oelrich
Bob; Thanks for being my companion on our “FREEDOM FLIGHT” in September 2019, I picked you up and dropped you off at home after our fantastic day in Washington DC……This is one trip that I enjoyed and will remember for the rest of my day’s…..You were ARMY and I was NAVY but Commrads are for ever…….Rest in Peace my friend…!!!.
Don Buske.
Dear Neal, Denise and Family,
I was sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. May his life have been a blessing.
My sympathy to All.
Aunt Nellie Eggler
Dave,Kathy, and Family,
So sorry to read of Bob’s passing. May the pain you feel now be nothing compared to joy found within the memories of Bob. Deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Karen and Brad Anders