TOMAH - Darlene Dorothy Koeninger, 88 of Tomah passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Tomah Health. She was born on July 10, 1935, in Rock County, WI to Edward and Matilda (Pitel) Martin. Darlene was a member of the Tomah High School Graduating Class of 1954. After graduating high school, Darlene continued to the Juneau County Normal School, graduating in 1956 with a teaching degree. She later attended the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse for additional teaching classes. She taught in Elkhorn, Wilton and Arkdale. On June 7, 1958, Darlene was united in marriage to Roger A. Schroeder, Sr. He preceded her in death on October 23, 1963. She later was united in marriage to Gordon H. Koeninger on August 19, 1967, they have been blessed with 56 years of marriage. Together, Darlene and Gordon farmed in the Township of Oakdale and raised their four children. Later in life, she worked for the Care Center as a housekeeper and certified nursing assistant, as well as Oakdale Electric as a housekeeper and the night dispatcher.
The Koeninger household was always full of the hustle and bustle of an active home. Cookouts, pool parties, family vacations and everyday chores were filled with adventurous tales full of laughter and noteworthy shenanigans. Watching her grandchildren through the years brought a tremendous amount of joy to her life and she loved to share stories with them. There was a lot of weight held behind the words “Grandma said.” They all have cherished memories of time spent with their beloved Grandma.
Darlene was a gifted seamstress. Every Christmas came with a newly sewn dress for the girls. Throughout the years, painting ceramics was also one of her hobbies. She also loved going to rummage sales and thrift stores. Darlene was never one to pass up the opportunity to repurpose an item that someone may have discarded. She had a knack for seeing the potential in things others could not.
She was a member of the Diamond Valley Homemakers, St. Peter’s Ladies Aide, Farmers Union, and the American Dairy Association. She was also a faithful and devoted member of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church.
She is survived by her husband, Gordon of Tomah, children, Ann (Robert) Wappler of Tomah, Betty (Marlin) Prell of Kendall, Roger A. (Elaine) Schroeder, Jr. of Tomah, and Ruth (James) Krueger of La Crosse, grandchildren, Charles (Lynz) Prell, Timothy Prell and Melissa Prell, Reena (Brent) Berndt, Caitlin Krueger (fiancé Sean Conway), Benjamin Krueger, Cherryl (Jerry) Duncan, great grandchildren, Everly, Finnegan, Priya, Jude, and Ella. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by parents, first husband, Roger, Sr., great grandson, Noah, brother and sister-in-law, Duane (Gloria) Martin, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Leonard (Iona) Koeninger and George (Mary) Koeninger.
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024, 11:00 AM at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, 525 Superior Ave., Tomah. Pastor Mark Kahrs will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation at the on Sunday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah and on Monday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Memorials in Darlene’s memory can be given to St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church and School.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
