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Allen I. Koenig, 78, unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, August 17th, 2016, with family at his bedside at Mayo Clinic Hospital - St. Marys Campus in Rochester. He was an incredible husband, a loving father, proud grandpa, caring brother, and loyal friend to many.
Al was an involved member of the community and was the proud owner and founder of Midwest Specialized Transportation in Rochester, Minnesota. He was a natural leader as he served as past chairman of Heavy Specialized Carriers Conference of the American Trucking Association, past chairman of Minnesota Trucking Association, past chairman of the American Truck Historical Society, the president of the Rochester Shrine Club, past potentate of the Osman Shrine-St. Paul, Trustee of the Osman Temple, Board of Governors for the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, past director of the Royal Order of Jesters, 33rd degree Mason, member of Rochester Lodge #21, AF AM, Red Cross of Constatine, Valley of Rochester Scottish Rite, and Home Commandgry #8.
Als mission in life was to leave the world a better place than he found it. As his family, we believe he did just that. He had a true passion for history and was an avid collector of transportation memorabilia.
Al was survived by his wife of 56 years, Anne, children Chris (Oronoco), Nancee (Rochester), and David (Hay Creek), grandchildren; Amelia, Jessica, Noah, Noelle, Keagan, and three step-grandchildren; sister Lois Klindworth (Red Wing); daughters- in-law Denise and Robin; son-in-law to-be Shannon Ruechel. He isproceededin death by his parents, Arthur and Frieda, brother, Duane, and dog, Kenworth (Kenny).
A funeral service honoring Als life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes Chapel 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN Visitation will be Monday, August 22, 2016 from 4 7 pm with a Masonic Service held at 6:30 p.m. at Ranfranz and Vine. The visitation will also be 1 hr prior to the service on Tuesday. Burial will be in the Oronoco Cemetery
Memorials are preferred to the Shriners Childrens Hospital.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901
www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
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"Much love and sympathy."
"It was a very difficult time in my life when Mr. Koenig hired me and put me behind the wheel of #35. When I walked down the hall at MST and saw all those safety awards, I knew he was a special man. When Mt St Helens erupted, I got volcanoed-in at Kalispel, and wrote to the UofMN for an application. Mr. K hired me to drive during school breaks. As a Calif atty, I represented the Calif CHP, Dpt of Trans, School for Deaf, DoC&R and DOJ. RIP, Mr. K."
"Al was a great friend and business associate with whom I spent may evenings and attended many meetings at ATA. I will truly miss Al and am saddened by his passing. I last saw Al at the MATS truck show in Louisville back in April where we had a short but pleasant visit. I am so happy I had that last chance to talk with Al."
"Our sincere condolences to the Koenig family. Our visits were too few, Al always left us with the impression of a true friend.In his memory a gift will be sent to the Shriners Hospital. F.&A.M."
"I was shocked to hear of Al's passing. He was a mentor and friend and will be greatly missed. I am very proud to say that I worked the company Al built for 37 years. Without the company the Koenig family built i would not have been able to retire after a great career.deepest sympathy to the family. Loren and Lorraine Hansen"
"I was shocked and sad to hear the news of Al's passing. In the short time I had known him the one thing he left me with every time we spoke was care...care about what you are doing no matter what it is. After reading more about his life, family and all that he was involved with I just smiled...just like I thought; Al sure did care about what he did. What an accomplished life. I know I am the better person for meeting him. My thoughts and prayers are with Al and his family. "
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" A MOUNTAIN MEADOWPEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was ordered on August 22, 2016 "
"What wonderful memories we have of a dear friend! His daily walk led many to a better path and his influence will continue to make a difference. The Transportation Industry has lost a Gentle Giant. He was so thoughtful of others and was always ready to lend a helping hand.Our prayers are with sweet Anne, the children and grandchildren. The void will be tremendous, but we know that you understand that God's strength is perfect and He will sustain you.Blessings, Billie and Tony Metler and family"
"We are so sorry to hear about your loss.Al was a great man --he will be missed by allRest in Peace"
"A $200.00 donation is being sent to the Shriner's Children's Hospital in memory of our dear friend Al Koenig."
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" A MOUNTAIN MEADOWPEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was ordered on August 22, 2016 "
"TO Anne and Family: The words I would use to describe Al would sound like hyperbole. Caring, gentle, funny, smart, a thoughtful leader, colleague, occasional dinner companion at too many Truck PAC events to remember (and when we were lucky, the wonderful Anne was there with him) and all-round good guy. He was a mentor to me back in the late 80s-early 90s when I first began getting involved in ATA. But more than anything, he was a friend. I will miss him and I'm sorry he is gone - but never forgotten."
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"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Koening family with the passing of Al. He certainly was a special man and a very big mentor to me. He will be missed!"
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"Our sincere condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss. Keep your memories close. Stay strong."
"Nancee and the Koenig family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I am sure you will miss your Dad."
"Anne and FamilyIt was my great privilege to have known and worked with Allen on the Royal Constable Committee of the National Court, Royal Order of Jesters. A true friend that will be missed by all who knew Allen."
" A SENTIMENTAL THOUGHTS was sent on August 20, 2016 We wish to express our deepest sympathy from Jim and Margaret Booth, David, Kathy, Jim Jr. and all the rest at Fifthwheels Plus Inc. "
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" A GARDEN PATH was ordered on August 19, 2016 "
" A TROPICAL DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was ordered on August 19, 2016 "
" An A GARDEN PATH was sent on August 19, 2016 With warm and heartfelt sympathy. James F. Lomma "
"To the Koenig family, Al will be dearly missed by all. From our childhood in Oronoco to later becoming a Shriner with Al's help, many good times were had over the years. He was a good caring person that always went out of his way to say hi. We will miss you!"
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" A WARM SMILE was ordered on August 19, 2016 "
" A SPATHIPHYLLUM was sent on August 19, 2016 Condolences to Al's wonderful family. Jim DeFoyd, Emeritus Chairman, Royal Constables Committee, ROJ 103 Eastway St., Galena Park, Tx "
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" A Seasonal Blooming Plant was ordered on August 19, 2016 "
" A SHADES OF ELEGANCE was ordered on August 19, 2016 "
"We are sadden to hear about the loss of a great colleague that was admired and respected by all of us. He was a good example of a great man that gave back to the community. ~With great sympathy, Ken and Laurel New"
"It was my great pleasure to serve with Al on the Board of Governors - Twin Cities Unit Shriners Hospital. He was a fantastic contributor to the mission of serving children!"
"Dear Anne & Family- We're so very sorry about Al! I know it gives you peace that he's with the Lord but we know he'll be terribly missed by all of you! He touched so many lives & stood strong for his convictions about God, Country & Family! Please know your all in our prayers & be sure to let us know if we can help in any way! Love Pat & Jerry Siems"
"We have wonderful memories of times with Al, Anne and children at various trucking associations meetings. Al was a solid supporter during Gene's 24 years as Executive Vice President of the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association. In fact Al appointed the committee that hired Gene to the position. We are saddened to learn of the accident and passing of this dear friend and leader. Our condolences to Anne and family."
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"We are very saddened to hear of Al's passing . We met several times at the National conventions & he always remembered us & spent a few minutes talking about our new truck projects & my toy truck collection . I proudly have a truck that was made as an internal one for his company that he gave me at one of the shows . Just another way that he was truly a caring person to all that knew him . Please know that your family will be in our thoughts & prayers in the coming days & weeks ahead !"
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" A SWEET AND WARM REMEMBRANCETABLE ARRANGEMENT was ordered on August 18, 2016 "
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"My thought and payers are with you Anne, Chris, Nancee, & David. Al was a very loving, caring, and gentle man and he will be missed. He was always a great boss and a greater friend. Keep on trucking Al! See you at the next truckstop."
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" A Seasonal Blooming Plant was sent on August 18, 2016 Prayers & Sympathy to the family. David Cowley & the BOSS Crane & Rigging Family "
" A TRADITION AND SPLENDOR was ordered on August 18, 2016 "
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Koenig family. Al meant so much to so many but so much more to all of you. Our condolences to all of you in this sad time. Rest in peace my friend, keep on Trucking!"
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" A TRADITION AND SPLENDOR was ordered on August 18, 2016 "
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" An A GARDEN PATH was ordered on August 18, 2016 "
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"My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family at this difficult time. Al was a generous, caring, attentive gentleman. I'll always fondly remember how he took me under his wing on my first MTA trip to D. C. He was my friend and I was honored to know him.R. I. P. my friend."
" A SENTIMENTAL THOUGHTS was ordered on August 18, 2016 "
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"Sorry for your lost. From the Shadd family"
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" A RAY OF SUNSHINE was ordered on August 18, 2016 "
" A DIGNITYIN WHITEPEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was ordered on August 18, 2016 "
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" A GRANDMA'S GARDENTABLE BASKET was ordered on August 18, 2016 "
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" An A GARDEN PATH was sent on August 18, 2016 Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Keen Transport Family "
" A DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was sent on August 18, 2016 Anne, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Janet and I send our love and best thoughts. Doug & Janet Ball "
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"We are so sorry to hear of Al's passing. I was blessed to see him last week at the MN Trucking Association Conference and so glad he stopped by the booth for a hug and kiss on the cheek. He was a wonderful, kind and caring man who touched so many people's lives. Our hearts are heavy today and our thoughts and prayers are with you, Anne, and the family. Rest in peace, my friend!"
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"Our sincere condolences to Ann and to Al's entire family. We will always remember his smile and wonderful knowledge. He was a truly wonderful man."
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"Al was the epitome of leadership and character. His lead the trucking industry in Minnesota and the Nation as well as many of individually. My prayers go to you his family and those closest to this great man. Rest in Peace my friend."
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"I didn't know Al personally, but knew of the hard work he performed for the SC&RA for so many years. May God Bless Him and deepest sympathy to his family."
"We knew Al through SCRA (Butch worked in sales at Trail King Industries in Mitchell, SD). We always enjoyed our time spent with Al & Annie. He was a true gentlemen & will be missed by all who knew him. We're sending prayers to your family in this time of sorrow."
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"I am heartbroken, sad, and in disbelief that my dear friend and the man I thought of like a father has passed away... The tears won't stop coming! Al I will ALWAYS LOVE YOU, you were so good to me and so kind and sweet. I will miss you SO MUCH, my life is forever changed! Anne and the family I'm so very sorry.... I can't find the words to tell you how sorry I am! Love , thoughts, hugs and prayers to you all!!! Sincerely, Michele Leqve (Your forever JESTER girl!)"