Robert Koenig M.D.

1924 - 2013

Robert P. Koenig M.D. "Bob", 89

Sartell

June 16, 1924 - August 12, 2013

Bob lived an active, independent life until he suffered a severe brain injury this past March. He died surrounded by his beloved family at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home on August 12th, 2013. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Sartell MN. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, and also one hour prior to the mass on Tuesday. Parish prayers will be on Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., followed by Knights of Columbus at 7:45 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids.

Bob was born June 16, 1924 in Beaver Falls, PA to Martin & Martha (Kile) Koenig, graduated from Hibbing High, and received his BS in Chemistry from St. John's University, Collegeville, MN. He worked as a chemist in San Francisco and Guam before deciding to enter Medical School. Bob met and married Patricia Charlotte Peyton while attending the University of Minnesota Medical School. They raised their family as he built his professional career serving as a general practitioner in Paynesville for a year and a half (with three children). He was drafted as a physician by the Air Force and served as Captain at the Geneva AFB, New York (with four children). They returned to Minnesota where Bob completed his specialty in Ophthalmology (fifth child born). Bob opened his private practice as an Ophthalmologist and Surgeon, serving the St. Cloud area for 33 years, while adding four more children to the family for a total of nine. Bob retired from his medical practice in 1993, freeing him to continue his exploration of life and living. Bob enjoyed working out, practicing martial arts, gardening, planted thousands of trees, spent time enjoying nature, traveled with his wife and children, did annual retreats at Demontreville, and spent innumerable hours with all members of his ever expanding family. He was deeply involved with all, including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never stopped learning, was a prolific reader, enrolled in College courses after retirement. Never backed down from a discussion, but also listened. He was totally engaged and dedicated his life to bringing the message of Jesus Christ into everyday living. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Benedictine Oblate, Academy of Ophthalmology, lifetime member of Knights of Columbus and Sartell American Legion Post #277.

Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patricia of Sartell; sons and daughters, John (Karla) of St. Cloud, Martha of St. Cloud, Peter (Nancy) of Minneapolis, Bill (Cheri) of Albany, Richard of Sartell, Mary Pat (Roger) Saul of Oxford, PA, Theresa (Al) of Duluth, Michael (Susan) of Sauk Rapids, and Paul (Kerry) of Litchfield; 26 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ralph; nephew, Donald; and great-grandson, Nicholas.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Good Shepherd for the loving care Bob received there the last five months of his life.

The family requests memorials for the benefit of Birthline (www.birthline.org) in lieu of flowers.

Obituary, guest book and video tribute available online: www.williamsdingmann.com