Herbert Henry Koenen passed away on March 20, 2025 at the age of 97, surrounded by his loving family.

Herb was born on April 11, 1927, the son of Albert Koenen and Della (Steffes) Koenen. He grew up in Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin, working from a young age in his family’s dairy business and farm.

Herb served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1947-48. He met the love of his life, Gladys Hilt, in 1950. They married in 1952 in Marytown, where they then resided for many years. Herb worked at Tecumseh Engines for 32 years. In 1986, Herb and Gladys moved to Rockland Beach on Lake Winnebago to enjoy retirement life, spending many hours hosting friends and neighbors on the deck, grilling brats, mixing drinks and watching the sunsets on the lake. Many harmonica medleys were followed by the words “Music is my Life.” Winters in Ruskin, Florida helped them stay active and healthy. Wherever they went, they made many new friends and great memories. Their sheepshead card games with friends from the Holyland were enjoyed year-round in Wisconsin and Florida.

Herb loved golf and never passed up a chance to walk the course. He could still “shoot his age” into his eighties, and while he enjoyed countless rounds, most special were times on the course with his brothers and his son Mike. And everywhere he went, he told a joke or five.

Shortly after his 90th birthday party, where he entertained the large gathering with stories, jokes, harmonica tunes and a little jig, he and Gladys knew it was time to give up their beloved lake home. They moved to Island Shores Senior Living in Neenah and – no surprise – they quickly made many new friends and became very active in the community.

A born storyteller with an amazing memory, Herb could recall details from by-gone days for as long as he lived. He kept a harmonica stashed in his pocket for impromptu songs. He loved cars and taking a drive. He was an avid reader of the online daily obituaries and was relieved each day that he did not see his name.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Gladys Rieden and brother-in-law Harold Rieden; brother Eugene Koenen and sister-in-law Beverly Koenen; brother Kenneth Koenen and sister-in-law Irene Koenen. He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Gladys; son Michael Koenen and wife Susan Hicks; daughter Karen Heywood and husband Christopher; daughter Jane Bretl and husband Don; six grandchildren: Eric Heywood and wife Christine, Sarah Heywood and husband Jonah Aspegren, Anna Heywood and husband Seth Ashauer, Nathan Heywood, Evan Bretl and partner Olivia Young, Cole Bretl and fiancée Grace Schuppe; two great-granddaughters, Lucy and Ellie Heywood; and his dear nieces and nephews. The family wishes heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers and staff of New Perspectives Island Shores, as well as the caring staff at Bristol Hospice.

Herb was a man with seemingly a thousand jokes and the sharp memory to tell them. He was an artist with an impressive aptitude for numbers. He relished the opportunities to make people laugh, with his music, stories, drawings and punchlines. He will remain fondly remembered by many for what were often his closing words: “I know what you’re thinking – that guy is GOOD.” He will remain forever loved and missed by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday March 25, 2025 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church 620 Division St., Neenah with Fr. Nonito Barra officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. A celebration of life luncheon will be held at the church after services.