Dr. Duane G. Koenig

1933 - 2024

Dr. Duane G Koenig

November 5, 1933 - November 4, 2024

Dr. Duane G Koenig, 90 years of age, of Plymouth, passed away Monday, November 4, 2024. He was born on November 5, 1933, in Beatrice to Albert and Elsa (Pfingsten) Koenig. Duane attended Hoag country school through the 8th grade, then transferred to Beatrice, graduating in 1951. He was confirmed in faith at St John's Lutheran Church in Beatrice. He attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, for two years, where he studied music and started the college's first ever jazz band. Duane married Yvonne Kyles in 1954, divorcing 30 years later. From 1954 to 1956 he served his country in the United States Army as a tank commander, first in Fort Knox, KY, then Fort Hood, TX. After the military, Duane and family returned to farming near Beatrice on the family farms. Duane then decided to return to college with the intention of becoming a physician. He attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln from 1960 to 1962, completing 3 years of work in 2 years with near perfect grades. He worked as a mailman and in construction during this time. He then earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from UNMC in Omaha in 1966, graduating as one of the top of his class. He was a member of the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity, and the Honor Medical Society of Alpha Omega Alpha. After graduation, Duane served his internship and residency in General Practice and Surgery at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln, completing this in 1968. In August of 1968, he moved to Beatrice to begin his medical practice, first Beatrice Medical Center, then Community Medical Center. He was Board Certified. In 1985, Duane married Vi (Anderson) O'Keefe.

Duane continued his love of music through the years by playing in several different dance bands in the area, eventually forming a new band, the Has Beens. He also later joined the vocal group The Homestead Harmonizers, which he continued until his death. He had been a member of Elks, Eagles, VFW and the American Legion. Duane was also an instrument-rated private pilot and served on the Beatrice Airport Authority Board for many years, and was a Lifetime Member of the Flying Conestogas. He flew many Life Flights, donating his time taking patients to needed treatments in other states. Duane was a dedicated physician who took pride in the care and education of his patients. He retired from private practice November of 2003. After realizing that he wasn't suited for retirement, Duane found a new avenue for his desire to treat patients. In 2009 he became a volunteer member of the FAME Africa clinic (Foundation for African Medicine and Education) in Karatu, Tanzania where he was instrumental in the development and growth of the clinic and hospital. There he was able to use his skills to train other physicians, while he also treated patients medically and surgically. Duane continued this volunteer work through every winter into 2019, until Covid. In 2023 he was awarded an Honorary PhD of Humanities from Wartburg College for his volunteer work in Tanzania.

Duane is survived by his wife, Vi; children: Duane (Debby) Koenig of Arlington Heights, Illinois, Kandi (Joe) Hawkins of Beatrice, Shari (Joe) Stokey of Lincoln, and Dr. Marc (Kerri) Koenig of Lincoln; stepchildren: Dennis (Sue) O'Keefe of Odessa, Florida, and Terry (Fran) O'Keefe of Belton, Missouri; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren with another in March of 2025; four step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; and nephew, Rick (Melanie) Koenig of Beatrice. He was preceded in death by his parents, and twin brother, Wayne Koenig and his wife, Pearl.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Christ Community Church in Beatrice with Pastor Dan Martin officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice from 1 to 8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to FAME Africa, Homestead Harmonizers, or family's choice in care the mortuary. Condolences may be left online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.