Lawrence Arnold Koenig

Lawrence A. Koenig of Fargo, formerly of Kulm, ND, peacefully left this earth to be with the Lord on Monday, January 26, 2015, at 94 years of age. He was a kind and gentle man in actions and in spirit, and he loved the Lord and His church, his family and friends, and the life that God gave him. He enjoyed making people smile and in sharing his faith with others.

Lawrence was born to John and Rose (Essig) Koenig, near Lehr, ND. He graduated from Lehr High School as Valedictorian in 1939, and began teaching in Lehr schools. He enlisted in the US Army and served in Europe during World War II. After returning home, he resumed his teaching career in Fredonia, ND. There, he met and married his life-long sweetheart, DeLores Oelke, in 1947.

They moved to Kulm, ND, where they ran the Red Owl grocery store in partnership with his sister Barbara Gackle and her husband, Henry. Lawrence was heavily involved in community service, the school board, church activities, and performing with the Flying Songsters, an award-winning barbershop quartet. The couple’s three children were born during this time.

In 1961, Lawrence and family moved to Fargo, where he worked as the Office Manager for the North Dakota Automobile and Implement Dealers Association for 24 years. The family joined Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he and DeLores were active members. Throughout the years, Lawrence held a variety of elected and volunteer positions, including congregational President, Board of Elders, and leadership of the Evangelism and Stewardship committees. He was also a member of the church choir. In his later years, Lawrence continued his service to his church through financial accounting of weekly offerings, and building maintenance and repair through the Fixer Uppers group.

Following his retirement in 1985, Lawrence continued to pursue the hobbies and passions that he developed throughout his life. Among them were travel, including numerous trips with his children, square dancing, listening to music, fishing trips, and projects around the house. He also continued to operate Koenig’s Print Shop, producing business cards, envelopes, and other printed materials.

Lawrence is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, DeLores, three children, Dale Koenig, Sierra Vista, AZ; Donna Blake, Vancouver, WA; and Wayne (Diane) Koenig, Orlando, FL; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose Koenig; three sisters, Clara Remein (William), Hulda Fiechtner (Gustov), and Barbara Gackle (Henry); and two brothers, Johnny Koenig (Marie) and Edwin Koenig (Cordelia).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank the outstanding people at the Fargo VA Home Health Care, Rosewood on Broadway, and Hospice of the Red River Valley for all the kindness and compassion shown to Lawrence while under their care.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6