Emie Koenen

Born in Bandung, Indonesia, Emie spent her early years surrounded by the vibrant culture of her homeland. After completing high school, she became a flight attendant for KLM in Djakarta, Indonesia—a role that sparked her lifelong love of travel and adventure. After marrying her husband, Karl Guenter Koenen, the two embarked on a life that took them across the world, living in Indonesian, South Africa, Europe, and eventually the United States, the place they loved most and ultimately made their home.

Emie and Guenter shared 56 years of marriage, building a life rich with family, friendship, creativity, and exploration. She is survived by her daughters, Christel M. Karlin and Tanya J. Ogden, and her grandson, Niklas Karlin, all of whom she loved fiercely and guided with strength, humor, and unwavering loyalty.

A gifted artist, Emie painted in oils—portraits, landscapes, and anything that captured her imagination. She earned her Master certification from the Isabel O’Neill School of Art in New York City and brought her creativity into every corner of her life, from fine art to furniture painting to running a successful antiques business. Her imagination had no boundaries; she was a dreamer in the best sense, and somehow her dreams often came true.

Animals were always part of her world. Dogs and cats were woven into the fabric of family life, and she devoted herself to rescuing animals whenever she could. Her home was a place of warmth, color, and laughter—especially her unmistakable laugh, the one everyone remembers.

Emie’s personality was a joyful blend of quirky, cheeky, funny, and endlessly creative. She loved an adventure, especially with Guenter by her side. She was resilient and strong, teaching her daughters to stand on their own two feet and face life with courage. She had her signature habits—asking “Did you eat?” before anything else, cooking her daughters’ favorite meals when they came home, and declaring “Oh, I’ll go on my diet tomorrow” whenever something delicious appeared. And of course, her famous Dutch reminder whenever her children said they couldn’t do something: “Alleen dode mensen kunnen niet.” Only dead people can’t.

She cherished her roles as mother, wife, homemaker, and friend. Her friendships spanned continents and decades, and she was the kind of friend who showed up, listened, laughed, and made life brighter. Her daughters could always count on stories—some that made them raise their eyebrows, all of them unforgettable.

Emie upheld the German and Dutch traditions she and Guenter carried with them across Asia, Europe, and America. German was spoken at home, and meals from around the world filled the table. These traditions live on in her daughters’ homes today.

In her later years, Emie devoted herself to caring for Guenter as his health declined, tending to him with devotion, tenderness, and steadfast love. Her capacity to care deeply—for her husband, her children, her friends, her animals—was one of her greatest gifts.

Services will be held at a later date.

Cards may be sent to:

1044 St. James Crossing

Atlanta, GA 30319

Emie was a bright, strong, and resilient soul who fiercely loved her husband and family, noticed everything, and made the world a more creative and imaginative place simply by being in it. She will be deeply missed.