Ronald Koenig, age 77 of Elgin, ND, passed away on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at Jacobson Memorial Hospital in Elgin.

Per Ronnie's wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal services will be held.

RONALD H. (RONNIE) KOENIG was born on July 26, 1943 to Herman and Ann (Haag) Koenig in Elgin, ND.  He was the oldest of four children.  His earliest years were spent south of Carson, ND on a farm where he attended country school and helped his father on the farm, as he was able, learning many things from him.  The family then moved north of Heil, ND.  While living there Ronnie's father passed away at a young age. Ann moved her young family to Elgin where she worked for a time.   She then moved to Bismarck, but Ronnie, and his younger brother Gary, stayed back and lived with their aunt and uncle Rose and August (Freddie) Meidinger on the farm near Heil.

Ronnie attended high school in Elgin.  He received his GED and attended schools in Fargo, Minneapolis, and Chicago for diesel mechanics.  For a short time he drove truck with his friend Carl Siebert going to Texas, points south, and the west coast.  He also worked for an implement dealer in Mandan as a mechanic.

In 1963 he moved back to Elgin and started working for Laub Motors.  It was at this time he met Sharon Rebow.  They were married on July 31, 1964 in Elgin.  Ronnie continued to work for Laub's until 1984 when he and Sharon took over the business and operated it until 1990.  He worked for a short time for the company that was replacing the water lines in Elgin, as he put it "waltzing a ground pounder around town."  He also worked at Jacobson Memorial Hospital in maintenance until his second heart surgery.  After his recover, he began working with Ronnie Eisenbarth restoring antique tractors and pulling at tractor pulls.  He won many trophies of which he was very proud.  He began doing mechanics for Chester Dietz and made several good friends there.

Ronnie was a member of the Elgin Sportsman's Club until they disbanded.  He was also a member of the Elgin Volunteer Fire Department for more than 25 years.  As a tribute to his brother Gary, he became a Hunter Education Instructor teaching the area youth about hunting regulations and especially gun safety.  He taught for over 30 years.

His love of hunting was shared by his children and grandchildren, giving them many loving memories and funny stories.  His love of fishing was shared by Sharon.  They spent many hours on the water catching fish, sometimes not so many, and sometimes catch and release so no one had to clean them.  Ronnie was an avid bowler but had to stop because of injuries to his hands.

He was loved and will be missed by his wife of almost 57 years, Sharon of Elgin, ND; daughter Cheryl Koenig, Carson, ND; son Wade (Melissa) Koenig, Fargo, ND; grandson Shawn Miller, granddaughters, Jessica Edinger and Haven Koenig, great-grandsons Clayton and Theodore Miller, sisters Myrna Wetch, Bismarck, ND; Kathi Lacis, New Salem, ND; brother-in-law Willie Orth, Rapid City, SD; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Ann (Haag) Koenig, brother Gary Koenig, uncle and aunt August and Rose Meidinger, mother and father-in-law Elsie and Albert Rekow,  brothers-in-law Robert Wetch, Vernon Rekow, Clifford Koehler, sisters-in-law Violet Rekow, Marlys Orth, Corrine Koehler, niece Melissa Wetch, and nephew Armond Glassford.

Rest in peace Ronnie, your daily struggle is over.  We will miss you.  ~Your family