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Herbert Konigsmark Obituary
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, with the Rev. James Magelssen officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, and continue one hour before the service Thursday at the church.
Herb was born Jan. 7, 1932, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Lumir and Agnes C. (Kolar) Konigsmark. He graduated from Cedar Rapids McKinley High School in 1950, Carthage College, Carthage, Ill., in 1954, attended the University of Iowa, then received his master's degree from the University of Northern Iowa.
Herb married Joyce Schwegler on June 22, 1952, at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956.
Herb was a teacher and coach at Ayrshire, Iowa, from 1956 to 1960, and at Forest City, Iowa, from 1960 to 1967. At Forest City High School he taught social studies and business classes and coached basketball and baseball, where he guided the team to the state tournament.
In 1967, the Konigsmarks moved to Mason City when Herb became head men's basketball coach at North Iowa Area Community College. During his tenure at NIACC, Herb had a passion for teaching American history because he said, "History always repeats itself." Herb was also widely known for his enthusiastic, exciting approach to coaching basketball. He said, "I never lost a game…I just ran out of time."
Although he loved coaching, most importantly he stressed the importance of academics and being a good citizen to his students and players. In addition, he coached tennis and baseball. He retired in 1993 after 26 years at NIACC.
Herb was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Highland Park Golf Course, Rose Bowl Bowling League, Mason City Economic Development Corporation, ISEA, NEA and a couple's bridge marathon club. He enjoyed playing golf and having coffee every morning with his friends at Country Kitchen or Highland Park Golf Course.
He also enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening and traveling, especially to the state of Washington to visit his son, Ken, and to pick and eat cherries. He was extremely proud of his children, grandchildren and all of their accomplishments.
On March 4, 2006, Herb will be inducted into the North Iowa Area Community College Hall of Fame.
Herb is survived by his wife, Joyce, of Mason City; children, Cindy Baumgartner and husband, Larry, of Manchester, Ken of Issaquah, Wash., Kathy of Waterloo, Keith and wife, Nadine, of Cedar Falls, and Kirk and wife, Julie, of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Amy Johnson and husband, Cory, of Oelwein, Angie Baumgartner of Minneapolis, Minn., Adam Baumgartner of Cedar Falls, Kyle and Kaylene Konigsmark of Cedar Falls; and great grandchildren, Dalles and Aleah Johnson of Oelwein.
Herb was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be given to the Herb Konigsmark Memorial Fund at 501 S. Tennessee Place #C301, Mason City, IA 50401.
Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, (641) 423-0924.
This obituary was originally published in the Globe Gazette.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Konigsmark
David Anderson
February 20, 2006
"Well done, good and faithful servant. . ." Matt 25
Herb Konigsmark had served many in the Mason City and North Iowa area. He meant much to our family. We know he is now pacing the sidelines in heaven, cheering us on in the game of life. Herb had many victories, but he now celebrates the greatest victory of all, won for him by Jesus. We join the family in celebrating his life.
Dave and Louise
Lakeville MN
Teresa Opheim
February 13, 2006
Hello Joyce and family,
Herb was an enthusiastic and passionate teacher, and I really benefitted from having him at NIACC. He made history fun and relevant. It was good growing up having family friends like the Konigsmarks!
Our thoughts are with you during this time of grieving,
Teresa Opheim and son Paul
LUANN THOMSON-WORDEN
February 13, 2006
With my deepest sympathy to Mr.Konigsmark's family. He was a special friend to my dad, Lowell. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Sincerely, LuAnn Thomson-Worden
Debra Hoppman
February 11, 2006
Dear Mrs. Konigsmark and family, Many others have signed this, mentioning Mr. K's wonderful passion for life, coaching, and teaching. I, too, so enjoyed his love of history. A typical college student skips a few classes here and there! I never missed his class because he always made it so much fun and because he would've told my parents! (Norm and Linda)
My prayers are with you in this difficult time, Debra
Greg Johnson
February 10, 2006
To Mrs. K. and family:
I am sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers are with you in your time of grief. I hope that you gain strength from knowing that Coach K. was a positive influence on all of his players, especially me. What a special person he was!
With deep sorrow and respect.
Greg.
[email protected]
TOM ANDERSON
February 10, 2006
The Konigsmark Family,
I played for the coach at Forest
City High 1965-1967, and luckily had him for American History. He is the reason I became a History teacher and basketball coach. I believe the things he taught me as a person, I have passed on to many of my players.I saw him occasionally when I came to see my family, on the golf course usually.
He taught me much and I will always remember him with such fondness.
My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Tom Anderson,
c/o '67 F.C.H.S
Dianne and Arlo Stoltenberg
February 10, 2006
We appreciate the times we shared with your family. Herb will be missed, as noted from the many entries included about his passion for the family, in the classroom, and on the basketball floor. We also want to note his passion for the community, including his efforts in establishing the swimming pool in Mason City and his attending city council meetings.
Jean Wright
February 9, 2006
Joyce and family. This guest book is a great thing. Wanted you to know you are in my prayes. Jim and I are remembering with you someone to special to be forgotten
Dan and Nina were here today and talked about all the Konigsmark's. Hi and love to all. Jim and Jean Wright
Michelle Wimmer
February 9, 2006
I knew Herb through seeing him
at City Council meetings. Then,
I would say hi to him at a store
in town and keep telling him to
hang in there at the meetings.
I knew that when he had trouble with
an attack at one of the meetings-
I read it in the paper and felt bad.
He will be missed. I only knew him
as an acquaintance, but this being
a small town..a lot of people knew
him. I once was a member of Trinity and I am friends with the Nevermann's who keep telling me to come back there. So, Herb was really a friend to a lot of people.
That is the kind of person he was..
Always telling things like it is.
That is one quality he had--to
stand up for what he believed in..
It will be such a void having him
gone...What a guy..he was really nice too! God Bless and take care-
to the family of Herb...Mason City
will miss him too...
Dan Flores
February 9, 2006
Kathy and Family, Very sorry to hear about your father. May God Bless you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Dan Flores & Family
Raymond Wenrich
February 9, 2006
Joyce & family ,
My sympaties for your loss . I always enjoy setting near Herb at BB games and hearing his opion of what was going on. Plus always enjoyed talking to him where ever we ran in to each other. my prayers are with you in this your time of mourning.
I am sorry icould make to funeral since I was out of town when it was going on.
Muriel Lackmann
February 9, 2006
Dear Joyce and Family,
I was saddened to read of Herb's death. I always enjoyed playing bridge with the two of you.
Mark Hohenfield
February 9, 2006
To the Konigsmark's
A very nice and loving man will be truly be missed. May you keep him in your Heart and may his memories never be lost in pasting of time
Ken & Marlene Shadle
February 9, 2006
Joyce & family,
So sorry to hear of Herb's passing. Sure glad he got to play bridge at our house last fall. He will be missed at the golf course, bridge & church & in general Mason city & IA. Plan to see you, Joyce, as soon as we get back in April.
Gary Peterson
February 9, 2006
Mrs. K, Ken, and family: I wanted to send you my condolences on the passing of your husband and father. I too lost my father about two months ago, and understand how you must feel. However, you must know that some of my most fondest memories of growing up in Mason City include those of Herb. In was such a fun experience to watch him coach all of those great NIACC basketball teams I had the pleasure of watching in the late 60's and throughout most of the 70's. He was truly passionate about his coaching as well as his teaching. Of all of the classes I had in junior college, college, and graduate school, the year of US history I took with Herb as the instructor was by far and away the most enjoyable. I actually looked forward to that class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00 AM. Not only did Herb teach history, he taught life. And he taught it with the same passion and conviction that he coached with. On top of all that, he always had nice things to say to me as a baseball player in high school and at NIACC, and was quick to point out things I could do to improve my game. Herb was truly an icon in the community and all of North Iowa has experienced a very great void with his passing. I am very proud and happy that he will soon be inducted into the NIACC Hall of Fame. Quite frankly, the standards he set for himself and others to follow more than merit his inclusion. The successes he achieved on the court, in the classroom, and in the community are overwhelming evidence of the positive impact he had of the lives of many. May you always treasure his memory. His legacy will endure forever. Sincerely, Gary
eldon miller
February 9, 2006
Joyce,
I'll never forget my first meeting
with Herb at a clinic in Minneapolis
in 1986....I knew after 10 minutes
how much he cared about his players
and how passionate he was about the
game of basketball. It was easy to
see the basic values that were the fabric of his life and his determin
ation to pass those values on to his players.
Equally important, he was fun to be
around; I loved to watch him coach
and often went to games to see the action. While we will miss him
physically he will always be a part
of our lives.
We are thinking of you and your family today and look forward to seeing you soon.
LESLIE THOMSON HOOVER
February 8, 2006
DEAR MRS. KONIGSMARK AND FAMILY,
I AM SO SADDENED TO HEAR OF MR. KONIGSMARK'S PASSING. HE WAS MY FAVORITE HISTORY TEACHER AT NIACC WHEN I WAS THERE IN 1972/73. HE MADE HISTORY COME ALIVE WITH HIS EXTRAORDINARY PRESENTATIONS! I SHALL NEVER FORGET HIM. MY DAD, LOWELL THOMSON WAS HIS FRIEND...AND WE LOST HIM JUST OVER 3 WEEKS AGO. MAY THE COMFORTING HAND OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, BE WITH YOU ALL AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
Adele "Muffy" (Cooper) Williams
February 8, 2006
Even though I have not been in touch with old McKInley classmates much, Charlene has made certain I know of events as they occur. I remember being in classes with Herb, and that he was a first class athlete. My brother Reed Cooper ran track at Mckinley in '46-47 and 48, and may have competed with him . I am so sorry to hear of his death. You and your family have our best wishes and condolences. Sincerely, Jerry and Muffy Williams
Keith Ones
February 8, 2006
Mrs. Konigsmark & Family
I was deeply saddened upon hearing of the passing of Mr. K. You have our most sincere condolences. I still think of the time at Highland Golf Course when I forgot my wallet at my Mom's home and you and Mr. K spotted me the greens fee money. Even though Mr. K's back was hurting, his competitive spirit was in full gear in playing the game. In my mind, that reflected his attitude and love for life. He will truly be missed. By the way Mrs. K, I hope you remember that I did pay you back. However, I still owe you for the soda that I enjoyed at your home after the round. It's my treat the next time I'm back in Mason City.
Charles and Rosemary Hines
February 8, 2006
Dear Joyce and Family;
Charles and I were so sorry to read about Herb’s passing. We had heard he was having a hard time. You have always been so active and I pray you can continue. I wrote this poem to a friend who had lost his father and I hope it is a comfort to you also.
If we are but a thought of God
And he knows all eternity
Than we have always been my friend
All we shall always be
We are in Texas now and wish we could be there to give you comfort and support.
All our love,
Charles and Rosemary Hines
Sandy Blodgett
February 8, 2006
Joyce and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very, very tough time. Herb was a very special person. We're so glad to have known such a good citizen.
Gary and Sandy Blodgett
Todd Blodgett
February 8, 2006
Mrs. Konigsmark and family,
It was so nice to run into you just last month at Mercy Medical Center, and my family and I want you to know how sorry we were to hear about Mr. Konisgmark. After going to school together with Keith and Kirk -- at Adams and at MCHS -- and working together at Pheasant Run with Kirk, and how nice you & Mr. Konigsmark have always been to all of us, you've all been special people to our family. Herb was aware that I'd gone the entire 8th grade wrestling season at Adams without winning a single match. I'd lost EVERY one, and took a lot of ribbing about it. But he took time to speak to me about maintaining a positive attitude, and not let my failures get me down. That was pretty cool -- he was an inspiring person and a great Coach all the way, even when it wasn't basketball !!
TODD BLODGETT
[email protected]
Joe Thomas
February 8, 2006
Joyce and Family,
My condolences on Herb's passing! He was such a strong figure during my upbringing in Mason City. Not only as a coach but as a teacher of history and life in general. And I must add that there have been many times during my life that I can still hear him explaining the important things in life. Be assured of my prayers and may God Bless your family.
Joe Thomas
DAVE WILSON
February 8, 2006
DEAR JOYCE & FAMILY, AS A CLASSMATE OF THE TWINS & A NEIGHBOR IN THE ROCK GLEN AREA I RESPECT HERB LIKE FEW OTHER MEN I HAVE KNOWN. I TOOK CLASSES AT NIACC NOT BECAUSE OF THE SUBJECT BUT BECAUSE HERB WAS THE INSTRUCTOR. WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS HOW HOW I FELT WHEN I HEARD OF HIS PASSING. HE WAS A GREAT MAN & WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. YOU ALL ARE IN MY PRAYERS.
Roger and Beverly Ennis
February 8, 2006
Dear Konigsmark Family,
Herb and Joyce were our dear neighbors in SW Mason City. Roger remembers how Herb would tease him about seeing a weed or dandelion in the lawn. We will miss him.
God be with you all. LOVE,
Steve Peterson
February 8, 2006
Joyce and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. I can't tell you how much Herb and you have meant to me. You have always treated me like a son.
Herb was one of a kind. He changed a lot of young people's lives, mine included. The best word to describe Herb is passionate. He was so passionate in everything he did.
I have so many wonderful memories of Herb. Remember the "Herb Day" at NIACC? But what keeps coming to my mind is how proud he was of you and the family. I remember numerous times over the years, him saying to me "The thing that I'm most proud of is that my kids always come home" He cherished that his kids/grandkids always came home.
We will all miss him, but he's in a better place. I'll never forget him. I'm so happy my wife and kids got to know him. The kids still call you Grandpa Herb and Grandma Joyce.
We all love you,
Steve, Denise, Michael & Claire Peterson
Dave Batten
February 8, 2006
Dear Joyce:
I was lucky enough to play for Herb for two years (1973 - 1975), and then coach with him for one year(1977 - 1978). After my two years at NIACC Herb worked tirelessly to help me get to a good 4-year school, which was accomplished. I played and started from 1975 -1977 at Northwest Missouri State and get my degree there. The lessons Herb taught me, and all of the guys who played or coached with him, enabled me to succeed after leaving NIACC, and still stand with me today. As Coach used to say, and I heard it a thousand times, "life's not a bowl of cherries. You have to make something for yourself. It isn't going to be given to you." And boy does that ring true in life! I'm proud to have known him, and to have been around your family.
Dave Batten
Andie (Griffith) Olson
February 8, 2006
Joyce and family,
Words cannot express how sorry I was to hear about the loss of Herb. He was an awesome man! He touched so many lives...in so many ways. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Denise Peterson
February 8, 2006
Dear Joyce:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Just wanted you to know that Steve did admit last night - he didn't take history classes from Herb at NIACC because he was too tough. I'm sure Herb finally heard him say it!
Love,
Denise & Steve Peterson
Michael & Claire
Curt (and Pam) Riedel
February 8, 2006
Kathy,
Your dad was my basketball "coach" too. Prior to coming to NIACC I had no knowledge or experience in coaching basketball. His competetive zeal (I do have stories!) and enthusiasm for the game was contagious, and legendary. Herb's finest qualities were deeper, however. Herb was never profane, but sincere and honest (sometimes brutally honest, but honest). He would offer to me coaching suggestions, but more often I would notice him biting his lip as I struggled to learn the coaching ropes myself. It was my pleasure to have known and worked with Herb, and I know that I am a better person for having done so. My heart aches for you and your family as you grieve Herb's passing. May your tears of sorrow turn to tears of joy as you realize that your dad made this earth a far better place for many, many people and that he is now in heaven with his Lord.
Curt Riedel, former NIACC women's basketball coach
Tom Hanson
February 7, 2006
Dear Coach's family,
I was saddened to hear of Coach's passing. I was a walk-on in'75 out of Ankeny H.S. I have always cherish my years at NIACC. Coach was like a father for all of us being away from home for the first time. He taught us to never give up and I know in my heart that he never gave up also. I know he touched thousands of people over his lifetime.
God Bless,
Tom Hanson and Family
Judy and Bruce Dunker
February 7, 2006
Dear Joyce,
We have just learned of Herb's death, and want you to know how sorry we are for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the difficult days ahead.
We are currently in AZ.so the Guest Book seems the best way to reach you.
Sincerely,
Judy and Bruce Dunker
Thomas Anthony
February 7, 2006
I send my deepest sympathy to Joyce and the family. I have nothing but the fondest memories of Herb. He helped me with many ballgames over the years, kept me laughing, and was a professional in all the games we aired. He was a true icon and will truly be a memory in my heart forever. Sincerely, Tom
George and Dianna Weber
February 7, 2006
We extend our sympathy to your family. We will keep you in our prayers.
Linda and Norm Schmidt
February 7, 2006
Joyce and family, Words are difficult at this time. Though we knew that Herb was very ill since last fall, we surely did not want to see him leave us! We do know, however, that he is much better off and at home with our Saviour. May God comfort all of you as you mourn this loss. His friends share in that loss! We will remember the happy occasions we shared. Our thoughts and prayers are with you even though we cannot be. God bless. Love, Linda and Norm
Roger Wegner
February 7, 2006
Dear Keith and family,
May the Lord give you comfort in the profession of your father. Surely you can rest in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ to meet those who call upon His name. God bless you and all your extended family.
Julia (Oertel) Deets
February 7, 2006
I first met Coach Konigsmark back in 1984 when my dad became the NIACC women’s basketball coach. Over the 20 plus years since then I have known him as a coach, as a teacher and as a friend. After he retired and we would see him at the NIACC basketball games I would always take my kids over to Herb and Joyce so they could gush over them (and of course they would). The NIACC family has truly lost one of its own. My sympathies go out to Joyce and the rest of the family.
Jane Olson Leonhardt
February 7, 2006
Dear Joyce and family,
I received an email last night from a Forest City High School classmate informing me of the death of Mr. K. I am deeply saddened by the news. He was my favorite high school teacher, teaching me both American history and psychology. My late brother, Owen, was on his baseball team, and they took 4th in the state. Occasionally, I even babysat for delightful Konigsmark children. Herb definitely had an influence on my life--I am in my 35th year of teaching American history!
With Sympathy,
Larry Holley
February 7, 2006
My sincere condolences to the family...while coaching at Northwest Missouri State University, I had the honor of coaching Pete Olson and Tom Hanson who both played for Herb at NIACC...during the recruiting process I became good friends with Coach and enjoyed that relationship for many years...my thoughts and prayers are with the family...he was a special man and will be missed!
Larry Holley
Head Men's Basketball Coach
William Jewell College
Liberty, MO 64068
Verla Longer
February 7, 2006
Joyce and family:
Was so sorry to hear of Herb's death. You have my deepest sympathy. We spent all our school years growing up together. Herb was always a special person and will be missed by many. Bob Thompson just asked me about him this past Sunday at Church. I will let him know of his passing.
You are all in my prayers. Please keep in touch, Joyce.
Love
Verla "Nipper" Longer
Jan. class of 1950
Karen Henely
February 7, 2006
Herb was my softball coach when I went to NIACC in 1979, and I have many fond memories of those times. He was a great coach and I know he had genuine concern for the gals on his team. I had the opportunity to see him at my brother-in-laws (Rich Shaw)visitation this past summer, and now I'm so glad I went to him and re-introduced myself. My sympathies to the family.
Pete Olson
February 7, 2006
As a former player you would be hard pressed to find a more passionate man about the game of basketball, that I will never forget. I have plenty of examples of that!! I may not have understood it then but I do today! That same passion carried over to how you where performing outside of basketball, like the classroom. I can remember seeing that passion personally, only one occasion. I'll cherish my two years at NIACC! Thanks Coach!! My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children.
Ervin Senensky
February 7, 2006
Joyce: Audrey & I are so sorry to learn of your loss. We felt Herb was such a great guy and a super coach. Our deepest sympathy are with you and your family. I am using this service to contact you because we do not have your present address. Lovingly, Erv & Audrey
Betty Hirth Etnier
February 7, 2006
What a wonderful man, I was so happy my son, Kurt Hirth, worked with and had such a great friend. He will be missed.
Betty Hirth Etnier
Joyce, Kurt is flying home from Washington DC to be at the funeral.
Dan Mason
February 7, 2006
All of our love goes to Joyce and the family. 15 years ago today our youngest son Tyler was born, the day after a hard fought NIACC (Waldorf game NIACC beat us!) As much as we were rivals, Herb and Joyce were two of the first to welcome Tyler into the world. When we moved over to Mason City we often referred to Herb and Joyce as another set of grandparents for the Mason kids, they treated us with love and kindness. I have so many great memories of the ballgames and the basketball discussions, I could go on and on. I also can't even count the number of people in North Iowa who have told me that Herb was the BEST teacher that they ever had.
With Love,
'The Mason Family
Mike Kantaris
February 7, 2006
Mrs. Konigsmark, Ken, and the entire Konigsmark Family,
I send my deepest condolences for your loss of a great, kind man. I remember practicing basketball in 8th and 9th grade at Roosevelt and at the end of practice seeing Coach Konigsmark preparing his NIACC team. Sometimes he found the time to say something positive to me too as we left the court. Coach also gave me good baseball advice to help me. I admire him greatly.
Semper Fidelis...Mike
Andrea Crites (Davis)
February 7, 2006
I knew Herb for many, many years. I think I was one of the Trojans most avid fans for many years. He was a legend on the basketball court and in the classroom. I was blessed to have him as a friend. Gob Bless his dear wife and family. He will be missed.
Darrell Bemrich
February 7, 2006
As the team manager in70-71 I have many fond memories and stories about coach. His dedication to making everyone around him perform up to their best abilities while being a supportive and kind man. He will be remembered with admiration by myself for the support he gave myself and others and by teaching us to put forth your best effort is what truly defines a winner.
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