On December 9, 2024, Mike Koeneman passed under the checkered flag and started his final victory lap.
Michael Roy Koeneman was born in May of 1948 in Chester, Illinois. He was the son of Roy and Dorothy Koeneman.
He lived the vast majority of his life in the Belleville area. In 1979, he married Karen and they built a long and busy life in the Belleville and Swansea area, it was there that they raised Keri and Scott.
Mike loved being in the community and visiting with people so it was natural that his career led him to Koerner Distributing where he worked for 38 years. At Koerner, Mike worked in all divisions, finally serving as Senior Business Administrator. This gave him the opportunity to visit businesses throughout the area and establish lasting friendships. If you wanted to know the best price on something, call Mike because he had just been in the store.
He had a sense for numbers and was known for his organization and attention to detail. His seriousness and natural leadership ability came from his dad, which was softened by the smile and gift of gab he got from his mom. His connection to the community created opportunities to connect the dots between the organizations he served. This allowed him to amplify his organizations’ success. He always knew someone that could help somehow, someway.
The organizations who benefited from his service were Allied Auto Racing Association where he was a member for 32 years serving as the Secretary and then Treasurer, building friendships that stood the test of time; Past President of the Swansea Park Board where he served as a member for 15 years; East Lodge #504 AF & AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, Current Potentate Ainad Shrine, Past President of Directors Staff, Belleville Shrine Club, Past Director of Southern Illinois Court #86 Royal Order of Jesters. He was a man of many missions and each of these organizations was fortunate to have him serve.
His true life’s mission was his family, the sparkle in his eyes. He reveled in watching his kids grow up with the calamity and chaos of family gatherings. Despite his schedule, he was the ever present fan and cheerleader at both his children’s and grandchildren’s events. This was the source of his inner joy and pride. His wife Karen was his trusted companion traveling to and from, here and there, so as to not miss a thing.
Mike had a full life made special by a cadre of friends and family.
Left to cherish his memories are his:
- Wife: Karen
- Daughter: Keri (Jason) Hinson
- Son: Scott (Danielle) Koeneman
- Grandsons
- Carter Hinson
- Easton Koeneman
- Granddaughter: Elliana Koeneman
- Sisters
- Becky (Dan) Schnitzius
- Laura (Carol Bartle) Grandy
- Niece: Jules (Jason) Hunter
- Nephews
- Christopher (Jennifer) Davis
- Todd (Catherine) Davis
- Joe (Chris Voss) Grandy
The family would like to thank the many friends who comforted them over the last year and especially the past week.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Shriners Children’s – St. Louis, Ainad Building Fund or Family Hospice.
Visitation: Visitation from 4-8 p.m., Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL with a Jester Walk-Through at 7:13 p.m. followed by Divan & Past Potentates, Director Staff and Masonic Service at 7:30 p.m.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, December 16, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Pastor Rob Dyer officiating. Private family Interment.
