Phyllis J Koenig

                                        February 25, 1938 – September 2, 2025

The world became a better place on February 25, 1938 when Anville and Lucille Dooley welcomed Phyllis June into their family, joining brother Frank Eck.  She lived most of her first 48 years in Vincennes, Indiana, attending LaSalle Elementary then transferring to Harrison Elementary when the family moved.  At age 10, she and her lifelong friend were majorettes in the American Legion Drum & Bugle Corps.  After Clark Junior High, she graduated from Lincoln High in 1956.  She loved returning for homecoming and class reunions whenever she was able.

At age 16, she was asked to play Mary in the Christmas play at the Free Methodist Church, which was the beginning of her faith journey.  Just before her 16th birthday, she gave her life to Jesus, forever changing the course of her life and her family’s.  She got very involved in the youth group, forming lifelong bonds and enjoying several reunions throughout the years.  

Her first job was at a fruit stand, then Montgomery Wards in 1955 until she married Danny Koenig in December, 1956 and moved to South Bend, Indiana.  There she worked at a finance company.  They temporarily moved back to Vincennes where their first child Bradley was born, then returned to South Bend in 1959, where Janice was born.  In 1961, they moved home to Vincennes to stay and Pamela was later born to complete the family.  They were active members of the church where she served with excellence as director of the CYC Cadets for 10 years. 

Phyllis’ love for children led her to do home daycare for a few years.  In 1973, she started work at Security Bank and Trust until 1986, when she made a bold and courageous decision to start life over in Colorado, following the end of their marriage.  She often said she felt like a modern-day Abraham, taking a huge leap of faith to go to a land she did not know.  She quickly found a job at Bank Western, where she worked for 17 years, through 2 bank changes, until she retired.  Pam initially moved with her and the rest of the family soon followed her to Colorado, where they established new roots, as they married and grandchildren and great grandchildren were born.

Next to Jesus, her family was her greatest treasure.  Phyllis loved her family exceedingly well, routinely creating fun and special memories with them.  She lovingly crocheted afghans for each of her children and grandchildren.  She loved to play games; plan and attend parties; watch Colorado sports including the Broncos, Rockies and Nuggets; and sit on her porch talking to neighbors as they walked by.  She outlived 3 dogs, each of which brought joy and companionship to her life. 

She poured her boundless creativity, enthusiasm and organizational skills into Christian ministry throughout her life, including being church treasurer; Promiseland children’s ministry; starting and leading Divorce Recovery; Care Ministry Director; and starting and directing Home Bound ministry at Bear Valley Church, which she attended until she was physically unable to.  She also loved playing Mrs. Santa, taking along a granddaughter as a cute elf, visiting nursing homes, shut-ins and children’s hospitals, spreading Christmas cheer.

Over the years, she excelled as a home party demonstrator and supervisor for Christmas Around the World/Decor & More and House of Lloyd earning 3 trips, then Northern Lights at Home and Gold Canyon.  She also enjoyed working part time at Hobby Lobby for a couple years and returned to doing home daycare for 2 children that she loved dearly.

On September 2, 2025, at the age of 87, she moved into her mansion in Heaven, where she was reunited with beloved family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, son-in-law Jon Maurer, grandson-in-law Alex Herring, and several unborn grandchildren and great grandchildren who were excited to finally meet their grandma.  Her legacy will live on through her 3 children:  Bradley (Kathy) Koenig, Janice Burns and Pamela Maurer (Doug) Richter; 8 grandchildren:  Wayne (Sarah) Koenig, Evan Koenig, Staci Burns, Leah Burns Herring, Emma Maurer (Mike) Rageth, Abby Maurer, Ethan Maurer and Olivia Maurer; and 2 great grandchildren:  Lily and Rose Koenig. 

All are invited to celebrate her life on Saturday, September 13 at 10:00 at Bear Valley Church, 10001 W. Jewell Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80232, with a reception following.  Guests are invited to wear her favorite colors, purple or turquoise, but she honestly would just be so honored that you came. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to Servants of Christ International, 8406 18th Street Road, Greeley, CO 80634-4637, designated for “Cameroon children's education.”