December 7, 1928 - February 20, 2024
Peter Emil Koenck, age 95, was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family.
Peter was born on Dec. 7, 1928, the son of Gustav and Olga (Lage) Koenck. He was united in marriage to Kathleen (Bollinger) Koenck on Dec. 1, 1957. They made their home in Fenton, where they raised their two children, Tim and Gina.
Peter worked for Arnold and Verdelle Hantelman on their farm for many years beginning in 1949. He then went to work for the Fenton Cooperative Elevator Company in 1963, retiring as assistant manager after a 28 year career there. Never one to sit idle, he spent many years in his “retirement” working as office manager for Bruhn Builders, then as jack-of-all-trades at Shopper’s Supply/Bomgaar’s.
Pete was very active in community organizations, serving on the Fenton Community Club and Town Council, fundraising and assisting in efforts to build the Fenton swimming pool, and serving as Sunday School Superintendent and other offices at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Pete was the last remaining founding father of Fenton’s Sweet Corn Days. He, Curt Lura, Gerald Voigt, and Bill Bruhn wanted to come up with an idea for a community event. Kenny Krause mentioned that when he went to Chicago for car auctions, they had sweet corn roasts. So they took a square metal wash tub, filled it with charcoal, put a grate on top, and roasted some sweet corn in the alley out behind what was then Schulte’s Tavern, and lo and behold -- Sweet Corn Days was born. Fifty-ish years later, Fenton’s Sweet Corn Day continues to be a beloved community tradition.
The highlight of his life was his family. He was a devoted husband and father, and he reveled in his role as Grandpa. He was never happier than when he was playing a spirited game of Up & Down the River with his grandkids.
Left to cherish Peter’s memory are his son, Tim Koenck; daughter and son-in-law, Gina and Joe Bents; his beloved grandchildren, Jacob Bents and wife Cassie, and Lindsay Bents and partner Tanner Mann; brother-in-law, Marvin Bollinger; sister-in-law, Frances Bollinger; sisters Iris Martin and Donna Koenck; brother Elvin Koenck and wife Sharon; niece, Beth Hlywiak and husband Kevin and their children; niece, Jill Gaul and husband Doug and their children; his good friend, Don Christensen; and other relatives and friends.
Peter was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen; his parents; his brothers, Elmer, Marvin, and Stanley; sisters Francis, Vera, Hilda, and Lorraine, numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, and nephew, Tom Bollinger.
The family would like to thank the Fenton, Algona, and Swea City ambulance crews and first responders, Dr. John Schantzen, and all of the Algona Hospital third floor nursing staff.
Dad was one of the kindest, most compassionate people you’ll ever hope to meet. Ninety-five years was not long enough to have him with us.
Visitation was held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 205 2nd St., Fenton, from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, with the funeral service following at 11 a.m. with Pastor Mark Resner officiating. Burial took place at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Fenton. Henry Olson Funeral Home of Fenton assisted the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com