Rev. Russell Wayne Koenig Sr. (Apr 10, 1923 — July 4, 2002)

Even as a child, Russell was known for his outgoing personality and compassion, two attributes which served him well in his career as a United Methodist Pastor. He had a deep concern for social justice which was reflected both in his personal life and in his sermons. He possessed a beautiful speaking voice and a strong baritone singing voice. His sense of humor was legendary, always positive, never negative. He loved music and in high school played the drums in the dance band “The Thorntoneers” as well as in the orchestra and marching band. 

An honor student, he graduated from Thornton in 1941. In 1948, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Math from the University of Illinois in Urbana.  In 1951, he received his Master of Divinity, with honors,  from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1942, becoming a Staff Sergeant in Company H, 387th. Infantry Regiment with a military specialty on 81 mm. mortars.  He served in the Rhineland, Central Europe, and with the Occupational Forces in Japan. 

He was an active United Methodist Pastor from 1949 to 1989. He served eight churches during his forty-year ministry in Northern Illinois. During that time he volunteered in many community organizations and hospitals. He spent six years as the Volunteer Chaplain of the Hazel Crest, IL fire department.  After retirement, he served seven years as Senior Chaplain of the Hospice of DuPage County in IL. 

Russ married his high school sweetheart, Verna “Lee” Wilson '42 of Homewood. They had two children, Janet Lee, and Russell Jr., and he was proud to officiate at their weddings. Three grandchildren completed the family, Lauren, Russell III, and LeAnne. Russ and Lee participated in four eyeglass missions in Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, and Guyana. While following the course of the second missionary journey of St. Paul, he delivered devotions in the great amphitheater of Ephesus.  He said he felt humbled and thrilled to speak while standing where St. Paul had stood as he preached his great sermon. 

Russell died on July 4, 2002, and is buried in the Columbarium of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Mt. Prospect, IL.