Wolfgang Werner Koenig

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Wolf Koenig at his home in Williamsburg, VA. on September, 23, 2025 from heart failure. Wolf was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor, and his gentle and generous spirit was evident in every interaction he had with others. Upon hearing of his passing, the sentiments from friends and loved ones were these: “A true gentlemen, so caring, and so kind” and “They don’t make them like him anymore.”

Wolfgang “Wolf” Werner Ernst Koenig was born in Basel, Switzerland to Werner and Else Koenig, on May 3, 1936. His parents were German citizens who left their homeland in 1934, so that Werner could continue employment at a company which relocated there. The Koenig family then moved to New Bedford, MA, when the company moved there in 1939.

Wolf grew up as an only child in New Bedford, where he excelled in school, soccer, and playing the piano and organ at their Lutheran church. His family enjoyed trips to Cape Cod, Boston, and New York. The beach, sailing, and concert-going for all types of music, became lifelong passions.

Wolf attended Muhlenberg College, then an all-male Lutheran college in Allentown, PA. He studied Economics, was a captain of the soccer team, and a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Wolf was elected as President of the Student Council in his senior year, and participated in Army ROTC. He and his dear friend, Harvey Stein, ran neck-in-neck for the role of Big Man on Campus while also attending as many jazz concerts and parties as possible.

At one of those parties, he met Miriam “Mimi” Davis, a musically gifted student at the all-women’s Cedar Crest College. She would become the love of his life for 66 years, his wife of 62, until her passing in 2021. Their love story, and his devotion to her, especially in her challenging years from Alzheimer’s disease, were in keeping with the caring values with which Wolf lived his exemplary life.

The couple married in 1958 and planted roots in Shrewsbury, NJ. They welcomed two children, and raised their family with family close by, the Sea Bright beach, and sailing on the Navesink River. Wolf answered the call for public office, and was elected to the Shrewsbury Borough Council, serving as the Finance Chair from 1968-73. He and Mimi were also very involved in the United Methodist Church in Red Bank, Mimi as the soprano soloist, and Wolf as a deacon and Sunday School teacher.

Wolf continued his career rising to senior executive roles at Irving Trust, and enjoyed his stint in international banking traveling to their offices in Asia and Europe. In 1973, the family moved to Summit, NJ, and found new opportunities for friendships, recreation, music, and service. Wolf enjoyed playing tennis and platform “paddle” tennis, and became an avid runner. He and Mimi were active at Central Presbyterian Church. Wolf honored his love for his alma mater by serving on the Muhlenberg College Board of Trustees. He received the Muhlenberg Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award at his 30th Reunion for his professional and community service achievements.

But of course, his main focus were his children, Lynn and David, and instilling in them the values with which he lived his life. He modeled many life lessons: how to tack a sailboat, how to care for your community, and certainly how to treat everyone you meet equally with kindness and respect. There were wonderful family outings into the city for the Knicks, Yankees, Broadway shows, symphony concerts, and many tennis tournaments. The summer vacations with friends to Martha’s Vineyard were an annual highlight, along with memorable trips to England, Austria, Germany, Canada, and throughout the U.S. Wolf reveled in time with his family, and it was on full display in his warm smile, a reflection of a life well-lived.

After 40 years of a rewarding banking career at Irving Trust Co. and The Bank of New York, Wolf retired in 1998. He and Mimi searched for a retirement place where they could build their dream house on a golf course, with access to tennis and boating, in a vibrant college town with culture and music. They found it in Williamsburg, and at Governor’s Land, a great choice to make yet more wonderful friends, serve the community, and at a new church home at Williamsburg Presbyterian.

Wolf enjoyed plenty of tennis and golf, and also had more time to volunteer. He continued his service to Muhlenberg, and served on the Board of Governors at Two Rivers Country Club. He was proud to have a leadership role on the Men’s Charity Tennis Board, a group of volunteers that put on fundraising tournaments and events that benefit Hospice House. He served as a deacon and finance chair at his church, and enjoyed Bible Study. And he taught English to young men that were recent refugees through the Literacy for Life program at William and Mary. If there was a need, Wolf often stepped up to help, and he found it fulfilling.

One of Wolf’s favorite roles was Grandpa. He and Mimi made countless trips to Utah where he would ski with his grandchildren, spend holidays, attend concerts, sports competitions, and graduations. There were wonderful trips throughout the Mountain West that his Utah grandchildren will always treasure. They’ll also have memories from Williamsburg: trips to Duck, NC, DC, Virginia Beach, Annapolis, and just hanging out at the club pool and the tennis courts. A wonderland for grandkids.

Wolf had 27 amazing years in Williamsburg, with Mimi for 23, and for several years with David, daughter-in-law Rosy, and his newest grandchild, Reina. His last few years were enriched by reading, playing with Reina, family park and beach outings, visits with his loved ones and friends, and his faith.

Wolf will be truly missed, including for his oft cited characteristics: his love of family and community, his integrity and kindness, his dry wit, and his gentle nature that was epitomized by his end of conversation admonition to “Take good care.”

Wolf is survived by his daughter, Lynn Koenig (William Sorensen), of Salt Lake City, UT, and his son, David Koenig (Rosy) of Williamsburg, VA. He also leaves behind five adoring grandchildren: Scott Kellner (Amy Roskelley) and Meghan Kellner (Jake Arbon) of Salt Lake City, UT, Danielle Morrissey (Kevin) of Boston, MA, Jordan White (Bill) of Park City, UT, and Reina Koenig of Williamsburg, VA.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15th, at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA at 11:00 am. Reception to follow, all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wolf’s name can be made to: Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, Guatemala Mission School. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.