The Rev. Bernard J. Koenig

The Rev. Bernard J. Koenig 82, of Ronan died on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008 from natural causes.

He was born Sept. 13, 1926 at Conrad to Michael B. and Marie Kronebush Koenig. After graduating from Conrad High School in 1944, he was drafted in 1945 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After his discharge from the military he returned to Conrad to work on the family farm, until enrolling in Carroll College in 1947, and graduated with a degree in business administration.

In 1952 he entered St. Thomas Seminary and was ordained a priest at the cathedral in Helena four years later. Father Koenig’s assignments were at Browning, St. Joseph`s Orphanage, Helena, Libby, Dillon, Three Forks and Belgrade as well as in the Chancery Office in Helena. He also taught accounting, economics and religion at Carroll College for three years.

In 1990 he was assigned to Sacred Heart Parish in Ronan and retired in July 1997.  After retirement, he still substituted saying daily Mass at St. Joseph`s Mission in Charlo and in Ronan until his health would not allow it anymore.

Father Koenig enjoyed golfing and fishing and reading books about spiritual life and other books pertaining to the church as part of his everyday life.

He is survived by his siblings, sister Mary Agnes Koenig of Chewelah, Wash.; Bernice Muir of Conrad, Joan (Mike) Keegan of Spokane, Wash.; and Donald (Evelyn) Koenig of Conrad.

Vigil services were held on Jan. 4 in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Jan. 5 at 10:30 a.m. in the church. Military honors will follow services at the church.

A family Mass was held on Jan. 6 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Michael`s Catholic Church in Conrad with Father Michael Poole officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorials in Father Koenig`s name may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ronan or the retired priest fund in Helena.