Ralph John Koenig, 83, of Festus died May 9, 2026, at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Town and Country. Mr. Koenig was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran and a retired educator, having taught in the Armstrong, Winfield and St. Louis County Special School Districts. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Festus-Crystal City, VFW 3777, American Legion 253, Elks 1721 and Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Born July 13, 1942, in St. Charles, he was the son of the late Juanita (Leimkuehler) and Clarence J. Koenig.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years: Karen (McClenahan) Koenig; a son: John “Ross” (Jenny) Koenig of Festus; two daughters: Lindsey (Eric) Blaha of Fulshear, Texas, and Di (Hoang) Nguyen of Mount Airy, Md.; a brother: Stephen J. (Debbie) Koenig of St. Peters; seven grandchildren: Avery and Caroline Koenig, Carson, Elijah and Kamden Blaha, Kimie Keck and Jimmy Nguyen; a brother-in-law: Steven McClenahan; and three sisters-in law: Stacy Koenig, Donna (Mike) Robinson and Patricia McManus.
He was preceded in death by a daughter: Lyly (Jimmy survives of Charlotte, N.C.) Mendez; and a brother: Karl Koenig.
A memorial gathering is scheduled from noon until a memorial service at 2 p.m. Friday, May 29, at First United Methodist Church of Festus-Crystal City, 113 Grand Ave., in Festus, officiated by Pastor Justin Metiva. Private family interment with full military honors will be in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial in Perryville. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.