Joseph Koen

Joseph (Bill) William Koen Sr

01.14.1942 - 03.11.2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph (Bill) William Koen Sr, age 83, of Edinburg and Wimberley, Texas, who passed away on March 11th, 2025. Bill was born on January 14th, 1942 in Edinburg, Texas to C.E. Koen and Lillian Ramassa Koen.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gae Jasman Koen; his parents, Charles Edgar and Lillian Koen; and his siblings Ted Koen, John Koen, Mary Nan Aldridge, Ada Keiffer, and Beth Littleton.

Bill is survived by his four children: Mary Summers and husband Dave, Robin Purcell and husband Paul, Joe Koen and wife Terri, and Gena Billeaud; as well as nine grandchildren: Sara Summers and Becca Oathout, Liam and Beckett Billeaud, Peyton, Adaline, and Landry Purcell, and Brodie and Grant Koen. He is also remembered as a beloved uncle and dear friend to many.

Bill attended Texas Tech University and later graduated from Pan American University in 1977. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 - 1970. His professional career was dedicated to the construction and facilities management industries. He led Koen Construction Co. for 12 years before transitioning to serve as Director of Maintenance for the Edinburg School District for 18 years, later continuing his work with the Mission School District.

In 2002, Bill and Gae retired to Wimberley, quickly embracing the town and its close-knit community. Retirement brought them joy through travels to visit family-both their own children and their cherished exchange students in Europe. They loved attending their grandchildren's sporting events, dance performances, and band concerts, and were often called upon to babysit.

Bill was deeply devoted to his wife throughout their 44 years together, providing unwavering love and care, especially in the years leading up to her passing in 2015. After her death, he remained active in the Wimberley community. He was a proud Rotarian for over 50 years, a dedicated member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and enjoyed time with friends during Dinner Club, and Bridge Club. He was a regular at the Wimberley Cafe and could often be found playing a round of golf with his buddies. Honoring Gae's legacy as a teacher, Bill volunteered weekly at Jacob's Well Elementary, reading with second and third graders.

In a poetic turn of fate, Bill entered the hospital on the 10th anniversary of Gae's passing and was reunited with her just four days later.

A service will be held on May 3rd, 2025 10:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wimberley, followed by a celebration of a life well-lived at the church activity center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's honor to:

Rotary Club of Wimberley: https://www.rotaryclubofwimberley.com/sponsors

Emily Ann Organization: http://www.emilyann.org/donation

Pancreatic Cancer Research: PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).org/ways-to-give" rel="sponsored">http://www.PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).org/ways-to-give

Parkinson's Research: https://give.michaeljfox.org

Diabetes Research: https://donors.diabetes.org