August Arthur Koenig

Keizer, OR

August 17, 1926 - May 31, 2025

August “Augie” Koenig was born to Rosa and John Koenig in Lebanon, Oregon. He spent his childhood in Cloverdale and later Gervais, graduating from Gervais High School in 1943. That same year, he moved to Salem to attend classes at Salem High through the Oregon College of Education.

In 1945, at age 18, Augie was drafted into the U.S. Army and deployed to the Philippines for fifteen months just after the end of World War II. Upon returning home in 1946, he and several of his brothers founded Rainbow Construction Company, a house-moving and construction business.

It was through his brother, Carl that Augie met Barbara Lamb, whom he would marry in 1952. He eventually purchased the company from his brothers and together with Barb built a life full of purpose and community. They raised three daughters, employed many local men through Rainbow Construction and shared countless gatherings with friends and family. Augie and his crew moved numerous historic homes and buildings across the Salem and surrounding area over the decades. Whenever Barb could pull him away from work, they’d enjoy a social gathering and sometimes a quick family trip together.

Augie was a hard-worker with high standards, and always had a signature Augieism ready to share. He was a prankster who loved catching friends off guard and making them laugh.

After “retiring” Augie kept busy volunteering at St. Mark Lutheran Church, picking up part-time jobs, and exploring hobbies like wood carving. He remained an avid hunter and fisherman well into his later years. After Barb’s passing in 2002, he sold their home and eventually moved to Keizer. He was an active member of the Keizer Elks Club, and became a well-known friend to residents of both McNary Estates and Bonaventure Senior Living. Well into his 90’s he challenged himself to walk more than 10,000 steps a day and never lost his love of visits from friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, his parents, and ten siblings (Margaret, Majella, Laverne, Irvin, Virgil, Wilber, Adolf, William, Carl, and Anna Rose).

He is survived by his three daughters and their husbands, Laura (Mark) Hildebrandt, Diane (Scott) Merry, and Gloria Koenig-Oettinger (Pete Oettinger), two granddaughters Mary (Jason) Carlisle and Emily (Richie) Trussell, and five great-grandchildren (Ayla and Eston Carlisle and MaKenna, Ella and Lainey Trussell) all of Salem, Oregon. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends with whom he shared treasured relationships.

The family welcomes you to join us in celebrating the long life of an amazing father, uncle, cousin, grandfather, and friend on Friday, August 1st at 1:30 p.m. at Saint Mark Lutheran Church 790 Marion St. NE Salem, OR 97301.

We invite you to consider a monetary donation or act of service to support your favorite charitable organization in Augie’s memory.