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Barbara Koenen Obituary
Milwaukee - (nee Becker) Heaven is welcoming its newest resident. Barbara Beverly Koenen entered the fullness of Eternal Life on August 12, 2020, at the age of 94. Born on October 17, 1925 to the late Paul M. and Florence (nee Roache) Becker. Loyal wife of 42 years to her late husband, attorney Eugene John Koenen. Loving mother of Barbara (Tim Samuelson), Charlie, and Robert (Elizabeth) Koenen. Proud grandmother of Samantha, Maxwell and Daniel Koenen. Further survived by brother and sister-in-law Herb and Gladys Koenen, cousin Gloria Ellen Berth, and the many loving relatives and friends she touched with her warmth and wit along her life's journey.
Bev graduated from St. Robert Catholic School and Shorewood High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech from Marquette University in 1948. She went on to pioneering jobs in the 1950s workplace, starring in a local television program and working in advertising and editorial for companies that included Marshall Field's, American Appraisal, and Brass Light Gallery.
Bev was an active member of St. Robert's parish for her entire life. As a first grader in 1933, when the church was being built, she accidentally broke several bricks while climbing in the construction yard and was asked to replace them. They are there to this day. She raised her family in the Church and for many decades she proclaimed the readings at Mass and served as a lay minister. She volunteered as speech coach at St. Robert's School; she was renowned as the "Voice of St. Robert's Fair"; and she even won a commemorative 9/11 Harley-Davidson motorcycle at a church raffle. Bev was a lot of fun -- an avid golfer, voracious mystery reader and wicked crossword puzzler who was always up for a game of Scrabble. She enjoyed her golden years in the Milwaukee Catholic Home, where she leaves behind a wonderful legacy of kindness, candor, wit and laughter that is treasured by many friends.
Visitation took place on Friday, August 28, from 4:00 to 7:00PM, at Feerick Funeral Home, 2025 E. Capitol Drive in Shorewood, WI 53211. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, August 29 at 12 NOON at St. Robert Catholic Church, 4019 N. Farwell Ave. Shorewood, WI 53211. Private burial followed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bev's honor may be made to: St. Robert's Catholic Church or to the Milwaukee Catholic Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Koenen
Sponsored by Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood.
Rhonda Oberland
August 30, 2020
On behalf of my mom, Pat Kornfeld, and our entire family who knew and loved Bev, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences. Bev and my mom were great friends. They were across-the-hall neighbors at the Fountainview for many years and reconnected last year when my mom joined Bev at the Milwaukee Catholic Home. We will always have such wonderful memories of her quick wit and warm smile. We send our thoughts and prayers to your entire family.
John Hoff
August 29, 2020
To Charlie & Family,
I was sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was indeed a special woman, a badly needed light and will be missed. No words can provide the balm of healing now, but may you comforted by family, friends, stories, and memories and the love they exude. In these, ultimately, Bev shall be present. Love and prayers.
The Maddens
August 28, 2020
The Madden Family wish to extend our deepest condolences and sends our prayers to the Koenen family. Your mom was a wonderful woman, a friend to all and a true Bobcat! May your many fond memories, help to take away your sadness today and everyday moving forward.
Fergus O'Donoghue S.J.<br />Mom's most cherished Irish possession,was not her green sweater, but her dearest friend Fergus.
Charlie Koenen
August 25, 2020
The whole Koenen Family
Charlie Koenen
August 25, 2020
when we were skinny and mom was heavy :-)<br />
Charlie Koenen
August 25, 2020
the Koenen Clan...
Charlie Koenen
August 25, 2020
Mom and her kids
Charlie Koenen
August 25, 2020
the last family photo
Charlie Koenen
August 25, 2020
Roosevelt Burrell
August 23, 2020
My family to yours , may the love , warmth , and memories full of life adventures and laughter keep you comforted as you move through mazes of years to come.
Barbara Leigh
August 20, 2020
So glad I got to meet you, "Bev", and to share time with you and your family! You have passed on a wonderful legacy of creativity, caring and feistiness. We thank you!
Alli Chapman
August 17, 2020
Dear Barbara and Tim, my deepest condolences and love to you all. Peace be with you.
nancy hahn
August 17, 2020
Well .... what can i say ! A second mom to me . One of my longest customers and one of my best friends . I loved seeing her every week and so looked forward to our hair meetings . She was truly a wonderful person . God just got another joy in heaven . I will miss her greatly but,know i will see her again . My sympathy to the entire family and to all who knew her and cherished her the way i did ! God's grace and peace !
T D
August 17, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief, and find comfort from knowing that God draws close to the broken-hearted.
David Banaszynski
August 14, 2020
I am very sorry for your loss, my prayers to the family.
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Memorial Events
for Barbara Koenen
Aug
28
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood2025 East Capitol Drive, Shorewood, WI 53211
Funeral services provided by:
Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood2025 East Capitol Drive, Shorewood, WI 53211
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