James Milton Koenig, “Koe” of Cheyenne Wyoming, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 59 on Friday, September 1st, 2023. Memorial services will be performed by Pastor Nathan Denbow at Calvary Chapel Cheyenne Church, 9209 Ridge Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009 at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 8th, 2023. He will be laid to rest at his forever home, 1381 Kate Cameron Dr. Cheyenne, WY 82009. A memorial fund has been set up at the Uni-Wyo in Laramie for the Jim Koenig Memorial Fund, 1381 Kate Cameron Dr, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009.
James Milton Koenig was born in Lincoln Nebraska on May 17th, 1964, the son of Lois and James Koenig. Growing up on the family farm in Kimball, Nebraska he discovered his passion for farming, automobiles, and mechanics. While attending Kimball County High School he participated in numerous sports and activities, including wrestling, track, basketball, and football, while excelling in football. Koe loved Kimball football, where his lifelong relationships were formed. When the opportunity arose, Koe loved reminiscing with teammates about the 9-0 senior season and playing in the Western Nebraska All Star game. After graduating high school in 1982 Koe attended Chadron State College on a football scholarship. After his football career was cut short due to injury, he decided to work on the family farm until attending WyoTech, obtaining numerous mechanical degrees. This led Koe to landing a job as a master mechanic for GM in Boulder, Co. After working as a master mechanic, Koe attended University of Nebraska at Kearney and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business. Koe was always up for adventure. Trips to Europe with close friends, hundreds of Husker football games (attending all 3 National Championship games!!) He loved Bayside Beach, Lake Mac, riding to Sturgis, boating with family, especially his boys, snowmobiling, car shows, working on vehicles with his boys, mentoring and teaching them daily-driving his point home like only he could. Koe loved food. Man did he love food. Specifically, his mother Lois’s Blue Ribbon Potato Salad, Sotie’s fried chicken, and a gooood nipple rubbing brisket.
Koe moved back to Kimball to begin his stellar 20+ year career with Snap-On-Tools, achieving top tool salesman in the nation several times. In 1996 Koe and his dad built his dream cabin and forever home near Curt Gowdy State Park, in Wyoming. Koe married the love of his life, Darla Diane Vogeler, on August 4th, 2001. Sons, James Dakota Koenig and Jack Ryan Koenig came shortly after, it was clearly evident to everyone that his boys were the most important thing in his life. He was so proud of them!
Survivors of his immediate family include his wife of 22 years Darla Diane Koenig, his two sons James Dakota Koenig (21) and Jack Ryan Koenig (18) of Cheyenne, Wyoming. His mother Lois Koenig of Sun Lakes, Arizona, older sister Kimberly Beyer (Husband Dennis Beyer) of Sidney, Nebraska, twin sister Jean Koenig Anderson of Sun Lakes, Arizona, father in-law William F Vogeler of North Loup, Nebraska, brother-in-law Todd Vogeler of Lincoln Nebraska, sister-in-law Cynthe Vogeler of Alamogordo, New Mexico. Nephews Adam Speck, Tyler Anderson, Eric Beyer, Brayden Vogeler. Niece Madisen Vogeler.
Preceded in death by his father James Franklin Koenig, his mother-in-law Nancy Diane Vogeler, nephew Ryan Patrick Vogeler, niece Shelby Adair Anderson.
Pallbearers: Sotie, Hilti, Teddy Roo, Tanner, Snappy, Vinnie, Henry, Munster, Pretty Boy Vogeler Honorary Pallbearers: Tyler Anderson, Brayden Vogeler, Madisen Vogeler, and Cynthe Vogeler
My thoughts and prayers for Darla, his boys and all who cared deeply for him. Very sorry for your loss❤️
I worked at Wyotech for 13 yrs and developed a friendship with Jim. Every graduation I would help him set up his tools and chests. Then we hung out together for a week. His friendship will always be cherished. He was one of a kind.
Darla, Jimmy and Jack. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and dad. He was always so nice and patient with me even when I was running late because of weather or getting the bus stuck at your mailboxes. Which he pulled me out! I heart aches for you all at this sad and painful time. You ALL are in my thoughts and prayers. Brenda Badgley
So very sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed the times we spent with him; especially at the boys football games. May God wrap you all in his loving and comforting arms.
Totally crushed by the news of Koe’s untimely death. Thoughts go out to Darla and his entire family… and to all of his friends that loved him. He was absolutely one of the nicest people I have ever met.. a truly good soul. It was great to see him and Darla at the 2012 big 12 championship game between Oklahoma and Nebraska.. I was so happy that they got it meet my wife. And he made my month some time after that stopping to visit me in Lubbock at the car dealership I worked at, such a nice surprise. He will be missed by everyone.
Such a great man and had a good heart. Genuinely a joy to be around. Prayers for his wife and boys.
My thoughts and prayers are with this great family.
You were and will always be such a great man and mentor for so many! Rest in peace “Big Koe” you will be missed! Love Jason & Michelle
Darla, I cannot imagine what you are going through but please know, I am praying for you & your family as you navigate these days & weeks ahead. I wish I had healing words for your hurting souls. Praying you feel God's strong arms around you, carrying you through. Yvonne (Vonnie) Williams Hanks
My deepest sympathies for the entire Koenig family and extended family. Koe’s presence here on earth will truly be missed but his legacy will live on through Darla, Jimmy and Jack. Prayers for everyone as they endure this difficult time.
Im gonna miss you alot big buddy. Our talks and texts will forever be remembered. RIP!