Steven E. Koenig passed away on Monday, February 23, 2015 at the age of 65, while battling cancer in the Spencer Hospital.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Rapids. Burial will follow in the Rosehill Cemetery in Gillett Grove. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements.

Steven Eugene Koenig “Steve” son of William P. and Joan (O’Hearn) Koenig, Jr. was born the eldest of six children on December 12, 1949, in Spencer, Iowa. He grew up working on the family farm.

He graduated from South Clay Community Schools with the class of 1968 in Gillett Grove, Iowa. After graduating, he attended an electronics school in Des Moines, Iowa, and then moved to Omaha, Nebraska.

Steve was united in marriage to Lynn Pettengill on May 1, 1971 in Omaha. To this union, one daughter was born, Kimberly Dee, now of Walnut, Iowa.

He held odd jobs such as running a Zamboni, while living in Omaha a short time, prior to returning home to continue farming. Through the years, Steve farmed, did custom work, worked at Deloss Construction, Jeffclo trucking, ultimately taking to the road as a full-time long haul professional trucker; yet always helping with the farming any chance he could.

On January 28, 1987, Steve married Tara Albritton in Las Vegas, Nevada. They resided in Webb, Iowa. Steve was blessed with four sons: John, Scott, Matt, and Jeremy. He had a huge heart and it was full of love for all his children.

In 1988, Steve encouraged his brother, Marty to learn to love the smell of port-a-pots. With this love, Koenig Portable Toilets was born. Jeff and Randy continue to own and operate to this day.

Steve grew up with a love for cars. He was owner/operator of his own 1969 Road Runner, which he still has to date. During his younger years, the stories (many), “He slowed down to 75 miles per hour when they hit Grand Avenue, while driving back from the Lakes.” When he was done farming, baling hay, shelling corn, etc., he would return to “The Lakes”, where he spent much of his off time at the Roof Garden and the Taco House. He enjoyed dancing, eating, driving fast, and spending time with his friends and family. All were many, and all of which he continued to do and love throughout his entire life.

Steve was an avid NASCAR fan. He had a passion for motorcycles and was owner/operator of his own Harley Davidson. He was a member of ABATE (A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education). He was member of PRIA (Preservation of Rural Iowa Alliance).

Steve was an advocate for people’s rights and he let that be known often. In 2012, he ran a small campaign, “Steve Koenig for Sheriff” of Clay County, which drew big attention.

He was also a sports fan, and enjoyed going to his children and grandchildren’s games and activities. He loved sitting around a campfire and spending time with his family and friends.

Steve will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Tara Koenig of Webb, Iowa; his children: Kim Koenig of Walnut, Iowa; John Koenig of Webb, Iowa; Scott Rave of Fairmont, Minnesota; Matthew Koenig of Webb, Iowa; Jeremy Patten of Ruthven, Iowa; grandchildren: Drake, Shelby, and Khia Koenig; great-granddaughter, Annabell Koenig; parents, William P. and Joan Koenig Jr. of Gillett Grove, Iowa; siblings: Deb (Al) Meuth of Leoti, Kansas; Marty (Sue) Koenig of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; Cindy Koenig (fiancé, Todd Pritchard) of Gillett Grove, Iowa; Randy (Rhonda) Koenig of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; Jeff Koenig (friend, Donna Meyer) of Gillett Grove, Iowa; parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John Albritton of Omaha, Nebraska; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his grandparents: William and Ingrey Koenig; and Omar and Marguerite O’Hearn; sister-in-law, Brenda Koenig.

Steve will certainly be remembered for his quick wit, great sense of humor, huge heart, and contagious smile. (Beep, Beep)