The funeral service for Everett Koenig will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 22, at St. Joachim's Catholic Church in Plainview with Father William Becker officiating. Burial will be in St. Joachim's Catholic Cemetery in Plainview.

Mr. Koenig, 81, of Plainview, passed away Friday morning, December 16, 2016 at Parkside Elder Care in Plainview.

Everett Leo Koenig was born March 30, 1935 in Wilson, MN to Sylvester and Helen (Grandl) Koenig. He grew up and attended a one room country school in rural St. Charles. Everett served his country in the US Army – 82nd Airborne Division from 1957 to 1959. On September 3, 1960 he married Rosemary Passe at St. John's Catholic Church in Rochester. In 1961, they moved to the family farm in rural Elgin, and moved to Plainview in 2001.

Everett loved farming and had a strong connection to the land and farming. He was one of the founders of the Farm Beginnings Program through The Land Stewardship Project. This program prepares people to start farming with the goal of getting more farmers on the land. Everett was also involved in the Wabasha County Rural Development Committee, the Whitewater Watershed Project, and the Sustainable Farming Association. He served as clerk of the Elgin Township Board as well as an election judge. In 1991, the Koenig's were recognized as the Wabasha County Conservation Family of the year.

Everett was a member of St. Joachim's Catholic Church in Plainview. He served on the Church Parish Council, Education Board and Cemetery Board. He served as a minister of communion and usher for many years. Everett was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.

Everett is survived by his loving wife, Rosemary Koenig of Plainview; four daughters, Linda Koenig of Chanhassen, Lisa (Eric) Klein of Elgin, Michelle (Wm.) Ryan of Oronoco, and Sandra Koenig of Rochester; two sons, Scott Koenig of Rochester, and Gregg (Beth) Koenig of Eagan; fifteen grandchildren, Morgen, Kelsey, Shannon, Brian (Morgan), Amy, Andrew, Benjamin, Katy, Sarah, Isaac, April, Rachel, Hannah, Jason, and Erica; two sisters, Rosemarie Schneider of Plainview, and Elaine McKoan of Fort Lauderdale, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Bernetta Koenig and Carlene Mueller, one brother, Richard, and an infant brother, David.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel in Plainview, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.