Paul Koenen

Paul Koenen, husband, father, artist, P.G.Wodehouse fanatic and Marine, passed away Friday, October 4th, in Oak Park, IL. after a full and beautiful life. Paul was raised in Hanson, KY, where, in order to get to school he had to walk miles and miles, his little feet leaving bloody footprints in the snow. (He would eventually move to Chicago, where there were trains and shoes, but that part comes later.) After receiving his art training at Western Kentucky University, Paul married the love of his life, Christine Rule, and moved to Cherry Point, North Carolina to begin his journey in the United States Marines, he retired from the reserves after 25 years of service with the rank of Lt. Colonel. Paul and Christine settled in Chicago in 1957 where he continued his studies at the American Academy of Art. There he was inspired by a watercolor class taught by Irwin Shapiro. Paul worked in Chicago for 30 years as an advertising artist, art director and later, Director of Marketing Communications at American Hospital Supplies. While working in advertising, Paul and his family became "Weekend Gypsies", exhibiting his watercolors in Art Shows and galleries throughout the Midwest. In 1987, he and Chris moved to Saluda, North Carolina where he pursued painting and enthusiastically began teaching Watercolor. Paul Koenen was a signature member of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina. He designed and built numerous sets for the Tryon Fine Arts Center and helped found an art gallery in Ashville, NC. He expressed beauty through his painting. His story telling skills were monumental. In family gatherings he could tell the same stories again and again and we all listened with the same enjoyment as the first time, or perhaps with the same happy anticipation of what was coming next, even though we knew the answer. His wit was as much a part of him as breathing. Paul leaves behind by his wife of 59 years, Christine nee Rule, his children Elizabeth (Robert) Seelbach, Jane (Michael) McDonald, Harrison (Kay); grandfather to Ian, Cameron, Sinead, Carson, his brother Leland (Ann), his sister Nina Mary Morgan, and Cousin Nancy (Myron) McLain. A Celebration of his wonderful life and work will be held this spring in Saluda, North Carolina. His life was filled with love, art, humor and service to his country. He left the world a more beautiful place than when he entered.