Kenneth Koenning

Ken was an outstanding, gentle, and honorable man. He was a born storyteller, a jokester, a veteran, a fiercely devoted husband, a family man, an advocate for education, shutterbug, poker player and a damn fine cribbage player. He took immense pride in his military service with the United States Navy. He was one of the few of his time as an enlisted guy to become a commissioned officer. He served at many bases across the US (but most memorably, frigid Antarctica), and after 24 years of service, retired as Lieutenant Commander.

After his military service, Ken started a new life. He cut and baled LOTS of hay, farmed thousands of acres, sold some cars, helped Peg with her framing business, was a traveling picture frame molding salesman for a bit, and laid down roots in south-central Texas. Ken and Peg embraced country life, and relished all the activities that came with it...woodworking, gardening, hunting, cooking, and just about anything that involved working with their hands and being outside. Ken appreciated nothing more than sitting on the back porch with Peg, sipping on a morning cup of coffee or afternoon bottle of beer, watching the birds fly around, and swapping stories about family and friends. Ken truly loved and savored quality time with his family. He often spoke of them to everyone and anyone who would listen, always with profound pride and gratitude. And, above all, he fiercely loved and devoted his life to caring for his precious Peg. His kindness and patience with her rivaled the love portrayed in the famous movie, The Notebook. In fact, the staff and residents within their senior living community often referred to them as “The Notebook Couple.”

As sad as we are to see him go, we know that Ken’s spirit abides in all who knew him, and we are happy that he is finally and eternally reunited with not only Peg, but also his parents, 8 of his 10 siblings, and his grandson, Ethan Smith. Ken is survived by his 3 children: Randy Koenning and his wife Carol, Kimberlee Smith, and Malia Barber and her husband Jack. The greatest pride and joy of his life were his grandchildren, their spouses, and his great granddaughters: Ryan and Crystal Koenning, daughters Harper and Piper, Jessica and Joel Mattix, daughters Ruby and Emmy, Logan Warren, Haydn and Elizabeth Smith, Meg and Andy Godwin, along with Jaclyn Barber and Josh Kemp. The family will always, always be grateful to Ken and Peg for their example of how to live a life in service to God, Country, and Family.

Please join us for a celebration of Ken’s life at 3pm on Wednesday, May 26th at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home located at 6300 W. William Cannon Drive Austin, TX 78749. A reception will follow immediately at Rudy’s BBQ at 2451 S. Capital of Texas Highway Austin, TX 78746. We will provide BBQ and beverages and encourage everyone to spend time here with us until rush hour traffic clears. We also invite and encourage all to come share stories, bring their favorite games, cards, dominoes, etc. so that we can spend time in fellowship and celebration of Ken and Peg’s life and legacy. Interment of both Ken and Peg will occur on Tuesday, June 15th at 10:45 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road in San Antonio Texas. Memorial contribution opportunities include Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders Association, NAMI of Texas Nacogdoches Chapter, and Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church.

Thank you to all who have already reached out to our family, sent flowers and lifted us with your prayers and peace. We feel every bit of that energy around us and send love back to you all.