Henry "Hank" Carl Koenecke

Henry (Hank) Carl Koenecke, age 88, of Fond du Lac passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, in his home surrounded by his family. He was born on January 11, 1934, in Reedsburg, WI, the son of Martin Koenecke Sr. and Della (Koenig) Koenecke. On April 21, 1956, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Peper, at St. John Lutheran Church in Loganville. 

He started his career as a mechanic at Berning Garage in Reedsburg. He then operated the Sinclair Station in Rock Springs. His next adventure was at Matousek Motors in Reedsburg. He and Mary Ann then embarked on an adventure to Morton, IL, where he continued his work as a mechanic on cars and tractors with the Bartelmays. In 1979 Hank and Mary Ann moved back to Reedsburg, and Hank continued his expertise with Koenecke Equipment. He retired from Koenecke’s but soon realized he did not like retirement. A very short time later, he began trucking for Korth Transfer hauling milk products in the tristate area. He continued with Korth until this past November, 2021. He loved his family and enjoyed working; he was proud to still be trucking at the age of 87. 

Hank also loved to travel to see the countryside in the many motorhomes they owned. He, Mary Ann, friends, and family took many adventures together. The many trips included Alaska, Florida, New Mexico, California, and Louisiana. Hank loved his Pepsi, popcorn, cheese, and ice cream. On special occasions you would see him scooping up ice cream cones for family and friends. Hank loved his polka music, or as he called it, his “happy music.” He listened to WRJQ whenever he could and 24/7 over the last few months. Attending polka festivals and dances with him over the years will be cherished memories. He never tired of dancing a good polka or waltz. If you knew Hank, you knew he could fix anything. If you had something broken, he was up for the challenge. He loved helping his family and others without hesitation. He was happiest when he was working and helping others. Hank’s smile and laugh was infectious. His strength and get up and go was an inspiration. He was a strong but quiet presence. He let nothing keep him down, and fought to the very end to stay alive, but accepted the Lord’s will for him. “Well done thou good and faithful servant…Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Mathew 25:21

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Ann; daughters Marcia (Frank) Signorile, and Kristy (Doug) Miller; grandchildren: Amanda (Brandt) (Jeff) Hill, James (Shannon) Brandt, Emily Miller and Anna Miller; great-grandchildren; brother Martin Koenecke Jr.; sister Anne (Ewald “Errol”) Beth; brother-in-law LaVern (Verdie) Peper; many nieces and nephews, along with many other relatives and friends.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents; brother Merlin Koenecke; sisters-in-law Bertha Jane Koenecke, and Marlene Koenecke.

A memorial service for Henry will be conducted Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 11 am at St. John Lutheran Church in Loganville with Pastor Tim Anderson officiating. Visitation will also be on Saturday, from 9 am until the time of service.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center in Green Bay as well as the Aurora at home Hospice, especially Mary and Dana, for the care they provided for Hank.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Rock Springs Memorial Pavilion.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.

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