Herbert W. Koenig. 92

Herb Koenig went to meet his Lord and Savior peacefully the morning of Nov. 27, 2021. His work here is done.

Herb was born on Feb. 28, 1929. He was the third of four children. He and his siblings grew up on the family farm north of Kalispell. It was there he learned the value of hard work, which he carried through until the end. He started school at age 5, going to Prairie View School, a one room schoolhouse less than a mile north of the farm. He graduated from Flathead County High School in 1946. This was also the same year that he actively began farming. He rented a piece of ground north of the family farm.

In 1950, he started to farm in partnership with his brother, Bob. A few years later, they were farming the family farm after the death of their father. The brothers built the farm, buying land and, utilizing a variety of crops and livestock, they began to concentrate on raising certified seed potatoes. This was Herb’s passion. By 1970, they were planting up to 340 acres per year and got away from raising livestock. This continued until the last potato crop was sold in 1996. In 1994, Herb was tapped by VOCA to mentor Polish potato farmers in increasing production. This was right down his alley.

In the fall of 1957, he met the love of his life, Vonnie. They were married the following spring and were inseparable until her passing in 2020. They were committed members of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he was an Elder for many years. They were founding members of The Church at Creston, Lutheran. He spent many hours studying the Word and was always willing to share with others.

Herb also served on various community boards and committees; Conservation District, Farm Co-op board, and County Land Planning.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his three siblings and wife, Vonnie.

He is survived by his children, Dan Koenig, Paul Koenig, and Janet (Rory) Schwalk; grandchildren, Kayla Adams, Danielle and Joshua Schwalk. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Herb and family request that any memorials be made to Flathead Industries, P.O. Box 1916, Kalispell MT 59903.

There will be a public viewing Friday, Dec. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. The memorial service will be held Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at The Church at Creston, Lutheran.