Billy Koenig

Billy Joe Koenig, 88, of Vincennes, formerly of Carefree, Arizona, passed away on Good Friday, April 10, 2020 at The Lodge of the Wabash.He was born on December 18, 1931 in Bicknell, Indiana to Earl Malcolm Koenig and Lucille (Warren) Koenig. He graduated from Bruceville High School in 1949. After high school, he served in the United States Air Force before returning to Knox County to attend Vincennes University where he graduated in 1955. He then transferred to Indiana University majoring in Business Accounting and graduated in 1956.On October 23, 1953, he married Jacqueline June Grigsby of Bruceville at the Bruceville Christian Church. As Bill's career progressed, they ultimately moved to the West living in Scottsdale, Arizona, the San Francisco area, Seattle, Washington, and finally retiring in Carefree, Arizona. Bill became a partner in Rock Associates, an early pioneer company in the cable television industry. It was there that he made lifelong friendships with his partners, Gordon Rock, Sam Evans, Page Jenner, and the late Bob Allison. They were a huge part of his life in good times and bad. Always there for each other with support.Bill, along with his wife, Jackie, were avid hikers and huge supporters of Yosemite National Park and the Grand Canyon National Park, where they hiked at every opportunity for over 50 years. Bill shared his love and knowledge of the Parks, the Sonoran Desert, the wildlife and the history of the West that he loved so dearly. Many family members and friends were introduced to the trails of the Parks as he would host them in his home and head each day with them on new adventures. For this, he is fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Bill is survived by his sister, Phyllis Richter Thomas Sweeney, and her husband, P.R. of Vincennes, his brothers, Marvin Richter of Edwardsport, Carl Koenig and his wife, Andrea, of Vincennes, and Greg Koenig and his wife, Micki, also of Vincennes. In addition, he is survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Marilyn Grigsby of Sandborn as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his wife, Jackie who died in 2018, his parents, Earl and Dorothy Goodman Koenig and Lucille and Herb Richter, his sister-in-law, Jan Richter, his sister-in-law, Doreen Carnahan, and his brother-in-law, Dan Thomas.Bill suffered from Alzheimer's and following his move to Vincennes, in addition to his family, was loved and cared for by his special caregivers, Georgetta Gaines, Brenda Richardson, Debbie Burke, Debbie Riggins, and Shannon Howder. They were amazing in their attention to him and to his family for over two years. Thanks also is extended to the staff at The Lodge of the Wabash for the care and accommodation they made during Bill's time with them. With special permission from the US Park Service, Bill's ashes will be spread in his favorite spot in Yosemite National Park. Due to the COVID-19 virus, a private service will take place this summer to celebrate Bill's life. The family asks that if anyone wishes to make a memorial contribution in Bill's memory, reach out in your local community and help someone in need. That is what Bill would do.