Maxine M. Koeniguer

Maxine M. Koeniguer, age 74, resident of Milbank, died on December 18, 2016 at St. Williams Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 23, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church with Fr. Gary DeRouchey officiating.

Visitation will be from 5 – 7 p.m. on Thursday evening at the church with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church Friday morning one hour before Mass. Casket bearers will be Michael Koeniguer, Brian Gresens, Jon Koeniguer, Matthew Koeniguer, Tim Weber, and Kenneth “Mike” Koeniguer. Burial will be in St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery.

Maxine Marguerite Koeniguer was born to Frank and Helen (Hansen) Sturzl on December 20, 1941, in Pipestone, MN. There were seven children in Maxine’s family. She loved her childhood upbringing in Pipestone and often told lovely and exciting stories of her youth.

Maxine graduated from the College of St. Benedicts with a degree in education, which started her lifelong passion of teaching. She was married to Thomas (Tom) Koeniguer on December 19, 1970, in St. Cloud, MN.

Maxine was absolutely passionate about making a difference in the lives of her students. During her marriage to Tom, they were required to move quite often for his career. This afforded her the opportunity to make an impact on and touch so many more lives. Maxine lived in and taught in many different places, including St. Cloud, MN; Ipswich, SD; Milbank, SD; Aberdeen, SD; Jamestown, ND; Minneapolis, MN; Minot, ND; Gillette, WY; and Lincoln, NE. Maxine was both a positive role model and an advocate for the underprivileged and those in need of help. Over the years her family came across numerous forms of documentation and testimonies given to her in appreciation for her love and dedication to students and their families.

After retirement, Maxine and Tom moved back to Milbank. While healthy, Maxine was an active member of the community. She took part in many activities, including Centennial Study Club, Hospital Auxiliary, Bible Study, and the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. She also attended daily Mass, as well as weekly adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Maxine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all; always thinking of others first. Maxine’s hobby was people! She truly was a servant of Christ and her legacy will be her kindness and acts of charity towards all. Maxine will be deeply missed and remembered for her positive outlook that never waned, even as her health failed.

Cherishing her memory is her husband of 46 years, Tom Koeniguer, of Milbank, SD; son Michael (Dawn) Koeniguer of St. Cloud, MN; daughter Amy (Brian) Gresens of Great Falls, MT; five beautiful grandchildren, who were truly the apples of her eye: Abriana, Ellissa, Karina Ruby, Isabella, and Christian.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; infant sister, Margaret; and older sister, Mary.