Wendell Edwin Koenig, 78, passed away at his home on June 17, 2016. Wendell was born in Yorktown, Texas, on June 24, 1937 to Ed and Lola Koenig. He graduated from Texas A&M University and became a teacher, his first teaching position having been at Stephen F. Austin, in Bryan.
He married Carol Compton on June 5, 1965. He is survived by his wife, Carol; three daughters, Kimberley Koenig, Kasey Koenig Edmundson and her husband, Adrian, and Callie Clarkson and her husband, Jared; five grandchildren, Alexandria, Logan, Taylor, Andrew, and Ryan. A celebration of life was held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 26, 2016, at the Ben Hur Shrine Temple, 7811 Rockwood, Austin, Texas.
Phil Cox
While his classroom assignments could be rather lengthy and tough he was a fine teacher who imparted important values to me.
Mike Burroughs
Mr. Koenig was one of my favorite teachers and probably one of the best. Tough: you bet he was, and we had to work pretty hard to maintain good grades. But to me, he was an inspiration, and I learned so much from him.
Nelda Moon (Thompson)
Mr. Koenig was one of my most favorite teachers! He was tough, but he was also fair. I will never forget his many kindnesses. My former husband, Charles "Butch" Neal, and I were married on Labor Day weekend of 1962 as I was starting my senior year at SFA High School. We moved into a tiny duplex on Maloney Street and, were we ever surprised to find that Mr. Koenig lived on the other half of our apartment! The walls were so thin that we could actually hear him brush his teeth!"Wow!", I thought! This may be too close for comfort! I'm not sure I am going to like this!
Well, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. He taught me to cook!!! The first nght we were there, I had planned this wonderful candle light dinnerl. Everything looked beautiful, but when we sat down to eat, the potatoes were cold and the beautifully golden fried chicken was raw inside! Mr. Koenig came out to find me sitting on the steps crying my eyes out. When I told him what was wrong, he rounded us up and took us out for pizza, on strict instructions that I would go over to his house for cooking lessons every day after school that week. He saved my marriage and my pride, as well!
Butch had played football at A&M, so our home was always full of football players and friends (Dona Goodwin, you remember this!) and Mr. Koenig was right there in the middle of them! I have no idea how we crammed that many people in that tiny little space, but we did. Every time I think of that little place, I remember Mr Koenig. I have often wondered how many other teachers would have invested that much in a student's life and I am forever grateful. I have tried to find him through the years to thank him and I am so sorry that he is no longer with us.
Wendell Koenig, may you always rest in peace! My deepest condolences to his family.
Nelda Thompson
Phil Cox
Kind words Nelda. I never realized you married prior to our senior year.
Dona Goodwin
I remember how kind Mr. Koenig was. He treated us with such respect, as though we were already mature adults. I did not realize he was only six years older than we were. I pray all who love him find comfort in celebrating his life and the way they shared it with him. Such wonderful memories, Nelda - your story about Mr. Koenig giving you cooking lessons is great. What a wonderful gift.