Robert “Bob” Henry Koenig

Robert “Bob” Henry Koenig, age 84 of Belle Plaine, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Mala Strana in New Prague. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church in Belle Plaine. Fr. Michael Kaluza will preside, concelebrating with Fr. Eugene Theisen. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine and will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday morning. Interment will be in Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery followed by lunch in the church social hall.

Bob was born in New Prague on November 14, 1940, to John J. and Theresa A. (Pieper) Koenig. He was an Armistice Day Blizzard baby, with his mother being transported in a horse-drawn sleigh to Union Hill and then, by the only vehicle that could navigate the snow – a hearse – to New Prague Hospital. He grew up in rural Belle Plaine and participated in 4H, showing sheep at the Minnesota State Fair. After graduating from Belle Plaine High School, he spent two years in the Army Reserves. On July 14, 1962, Bob married Carol Dekart at St. Thomas Catholic Church in St. Thomas. They raised a family of six children together. Bob was a dairy farmer and in his spare time he loved to fish, and he and Carol participated in a bowling league. Tragically, Carol passed away in 1987 after 25 years of marriage. Bob later met Theresa (Miron), and they were married on January 14, 1989, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hugo. They were married for 36 years and together they had two children. Bob continued his work as a dairy farmer until he sold his cows in the 1980s dairy buyout. He went on to work at Bongards creamery until his retirement. Bob contributed significantly to his community, serving on the Belle Plaine Township Board for 42 years. He was a member of the Our Lady of the Prairie Knights of Columbus.

Throughout his life, Bob was an active gardener and had a knack for fixing and building things around the farm. He was a man of few words, but he was frequently heard whistling or singing a tune in the barn.

Bob’s hobbies were diverse and unique. He made maple syrup and dandelion wine, and he was an avid nonfiction reader – he could often be found reading the encyclopedia. Bob enjoyed long drives and had a deep love for the land. Anyone who knew him knew his love for fishing, playing cards and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Theresa; children, Cynthia Koenig, MaryCarol (Mark) Wolf, Michael Koenig, AnnMarie (Danny) Otto, Mark (Sara) Koenig, Debra Koenig, Emily (Andrew) Koenig Hapka and Julie Koenig; grandchildren Nicole, David, Melissa, Josh, Jed, Katie, Kelly, Betsy, Yogi and Sampson; 15 great grandchildren; siblings Jane (Terry) Armon and Lawrence (Ann) Koenig; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents; wife Carol; siblings Jospeh (Marcella) Koenig, Albert (Roselyn) Koenig, Lucille (John Connolly and Cletus Hayden) Hayden and Martha (Tony) Zweber. Memorials preferred to Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic School.