Alvin Koenning was born July 26, 1912 in Pilgrim, Texas to Otto and Louise Yagemann Koenning. He passed from this life into eternal rest January 1, 2015.
During World War II, Alvin served in the United States Army in the Pacific Theatre. He married the love of his life, Nola Mutschler, on November 26, 1935 at St. John Lutheran Church in Westhoff. As owner of Koenning Brothers Feed Store for 37 years, he became well known for his keen business sense, quick wit and good humor. Affectionately referred to as the “Mayor of Westhoff,” Alvin raised chickens and became an avid cattle rancher. Developing his cattle herd was one of his passions until his retirement.
In his younger years, one of his favorite past times was playing a good game of baseball, later becoming the official announcer of the Westhoff softball team. In his more recent years, Friday nights were spent calling bingo games at the American Legion. Domino playing was another passion of his, having won numerous championships and trophies.
Alvin was a life-long member of St. John Lutheran Church, having served on the church council. In addition, he was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Hochheim Prairie, Independent Cattleman’s Association and the Westhoff Volunteer Fire Department.
He is survived by his wife of 79 years, Nola; son, Darwin and wife, Mary ; daughter, Shirlene Crawford and husband, Don, all of Victoria; grandchildren, Ty Koenning and wife, Dawn M., of Brenham, Court Koenning and wife, Dawn E., of Humble, Terese Tompkins and husband, Chris, of El Campo, Trey Chamrad and wife, Brandi, of New Braunfels, step-grandchildren; John Crawford (Amy), of Katy, Carly Thibodeaux (Eric) and Tara Crawford, all of Houston. He is also survived by nine great grandchildren.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lillie Schubert and Betty Hilbrich; and brothers, Adolph, Alfred, Otto and Rudolph.
Visitation will be held Sunday, January 4 from 4:00- 6:00 pm at Freund Funeral Home, Cuero, Texas. Services will be held Monday January 5, at 11:00 am at St. John Lutheran Church, Westhoff, Texas. Interment will immediately follow at Westhoff Cemetery. The family requests your presence for a time of fellowship and reflection at St. John Lutheran Church Parish Hall following interment.
Pallbearers will be Ty Koenning, Court Koenning, Garrett Koenning, Blaine Koenning, James Dreymala and Trey Chamrad. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Dreymala, Dennis Strelczyk, Otto Lee Koenning, Lynn Nessell , Roy Allen Koenning and Harlan Fuchs.
The family wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to the staff at Twin Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Victoria for the care Alvin received while a resident for the past eight years.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church of Westhoff, Texas.
Freund Funeral Home, 361-275-2343.
