Lawrence R. Koenig, age 95, of Belle Plaine, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on October 26, 2026.

Lawrence was born on his family’s farm in Belle Plaine Township to John and Theresa (Pieper) Koenig. He grew up on the family farm, where he developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong love of farming. With a teacher living in the family home, Lawrence began his education at just five years old and graduated from high school at the age of 16. During his high school years, he developed a passion for boxing and became an accomplished Golden Gloves boxer.

After high school, Lawrence attended agricultural school before deciding to enlist in the United States Army. He met the love of his life, Ann Schoenbauer, and the two were married shortly before he was deployed to Germany. Lawrence spent two years stationed in Germany, where he and Ann had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. Upon returning home, they settled on the family farm in Belle Plaine, where they raised their family and built a wonderful life together.

Farming remained an important part of Lawrence’s life. He was always involved in the family farm and enjoyed staying busy. In addition to farming, Lawrence and Ann worked together at North Star Auto Auction until he was 80 years old. He was a man of many interests and talents, including beekeeping, making homemade wine, and gardening. He took great pride in his garden, growing an abundance of fruits and vegetables that he generously shared with neighbors, family, and friends.

One of Lawrence’s greatest passions was fishing. While he certainly enjoyed catching fish, what he treasured most was the time spent with family and friends. He made countless fishing trips up north and enjoyed many memorable adventures to Canada. For Lawrence, fishing was as much about the companionship and memories as it was about the catch.

Lawrence and Ann also shared a love of traveling. During their years in Germany, they explored much of Europe, visiting Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Holland, and many other beautiful places. They later returned to Europe to revisit the places that held such special memories from their early years of marriage. Their adventures also took them to Alaska and throughout the United States, especially in their later years. Together, they created a lifetime of wonderful memories through their travels.

Lawrence was a very social man who truly enjoyed being surrounded by people. He had many friends and loved playing cards, fishing, and gathering with those he cared about. Lawrence and Ann were known for hosting wonderful parties, especially their Fourth of July celebrations, which included a neighborhood parade that became a cherished tradition. He was a trustworthy, generous, and dependable man who valued his friendships and family above all else. Whether sharing vegetables from his garden, enjoying a game of cards, or spending a day on the water, Lawrence found happiness in the simple pleasures of life and the people who shared them with him.

Lawrence is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Ann; children, Vicky (Mike) Chlan, Ken (Sue) Koenig, Chuck Koenig, Richard Koenig, Jean (Quint) McDermand, Joann (Todd) Meyer, Gretchen (Zach) Searcy, and Tina (Sylas) Walker; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Jane (Terry) Armon; sister-in-law, Theresa; and many other loving relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by siblings, Joe (Marcella) Koenig, Albert (Roselyn) Koenig, Lucille (John Connolly and Cletus Hayden), Martha (Tony) Zweber, and Bob Koenig.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 30, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church - Union Hill, 20087 Hub Drive New Prague, MN 56071. Visitation will take place that morning from 8:30–10:30 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home, 610 Main Street East, New Prague, MN 56071. Interment will follow Mass at St. John’s Cemetery in Union Hill.