" ? God's peace to you all as Marj starts her heavenly life with Jesus and you continue in His plans for you here. ? My connection to Marj is through Sue and Bethany. Sue and I became good friends at Bethany Lutheran College. Our mothers attended Bethany so there were many names and events in common. ? Marj loved her Savior, her family, her books, and raised fine daughters like Sue, so I love Marj and say, "Thank you, Jesus, for your gift of Marj. Keep us in Your care until that grand homecoming in heaven when we see those we love again." ? Kari Peterson"
In loving memory of
Marjory Ann Koenen
March 31, 1933 - May 18, 2021
Marjory Ann (Pralle) Koenen, 88, of Latimer, Iowa, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 18, 2021, at Franklin Country View Nursing Facility, Hampton, Iowa. Marj was born on March 31, 1933, to William C. and Emily (Mehlberg) Pralle. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
Marj attended St. Paul's Lutheran School and graduated from Franklin Consolidated School in Latimer in 1951. She attended Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota. Marj was united in marriage to David Koenen on August 11, 1952, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Latimer.
Marj was a wife, homemaker, and mother to four daughters. She supported and encouraged David in his insurance business with Aid Association for Lutherans. Favorite pastimes included reading, listening to hymns, and visiting with friends. Marj's greatest joy was visits with her children and grandchildren.
Marj was a life-long member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She was involved in LWML and enjoyed using her talent at the book counter and teaching Sunday School. She loved volunteering at St. Paul's School library where she shared her favorite books with the children.
Marj is survived by her husband David, daughter Pam (Tom) Tyrrell of Clarion, and their children Kristen (Matt), Joe (Karla), and Daniel (Liana); daughter Julie (Brad) Homan of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, and their children, Jon (Tanya), David (Trisha), and Allison (Ben); daughter Susan (Scott) of Seward, Nebraska, and their children, Erin (Jason), Mark, and Lauren; 20 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Carol Ann Koenen; along with many special nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister DeElda May, daughter Shari Jean, and granddaughter Marin Lynn Wilcox; in-laws Louisa and Henry Wiemann, Florence and Harvey Koelder, Jerry and Carol Joy Koenen, Bill Koenen, Amelia and Dale Langford; and niece Cherylene Stoltenberg.
Memorials may be given to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, St. Paul's Lutheran School or Lutherans for Life.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 21, 2021, at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 22, 2021, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Latimer. Those attending Marj's visitation and service are encouraged to wear a mask. Burial will take place in the St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Latimer.
Family and friends who are unable to attend Marj's funeral service will have the opportunity to join it virtually via "Zoom" on Saturday, at 10:30 a.m. To join the Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83297074122?pwd=Q3JPSmQ1Q0VIWGdac0oreHB2a2RSdz09
Meeting ID: 832 9707 4122
Passcode: 325473
Tributes
"I have a lot of memories shared with your family when we were little. Time sure flies by fast. Marg was a great person - a true blessing from God. I know my parents really valued their friendship with your family. Blessings to your family. Kathy Schmidt Aberg "
"Below are a few of my memories with my Grandma. I am grateful for all our time together and that she is finally in Heaven with our Savior. 10. During shopping trips to Ames she would put items she might buy ?on hold? at various department stores until she finally found what she wanted to purchase. Grandpa always sat outside patiently with a newspaper and ice cream cone. 9. On road trips to visit cousins in NE or WI she usually had premade sandwiches and fruit slices packed. 8. As I child I was constantly running my fingers through Grandma?s permed hair. She never seemed to mind my frequent efforts to play with her hair. 7. My siblings and I often spent one night per week at my Grandma and Grandpa?s house for piano lessons. She always made us feel welcome even on the night she was in extreme pain with gallstones. 6. We always had full-size candy bars for dessert at Marty?s in Sheffield. 5. There was never a shortage of Schwann?s ice cream bars in the garage freezer. 4. I would run into my Grandma in the library of my elementary school volunteering. She was quick to smile and welcome the other children sweetly as well as myself. 3. She adopted my not-so-well-trained Yorkshire Terrier, Moose, and let him sit on her lap for most of his time on earth. 2. A childhood promise I had forgotten, she told me I should keep her stone turtle when she passed since she never got me a live one. 1. Seeing my Grandma take time to read for fun. A hobby my Mom keeps up as well. "
"Dave and Marj were my folks very good friends ever since i remember andi have lots of memories of Marj thru the years. The one thing i absolutely remember is she was a strong Christian and always active with her church life. My sympathy to Dave and the girls and families. Praise be to God the victory is won. "