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Albert J. Koenig, 78

On Thursday, May 11, 2017, Albert J. Koenig Jr. went to be with the love of his life, Val (Velma); sister Kaylene; brothers Mike and Gene; and so many other precious family members who had passed before him. He will be missed by many people.

Al liked to tell the story of when he was courting Val. They would go to the drive-in up in Osburn and order milkshakes and french fries. He would say that Val would squirt ketchup all over the french fries and how that drove him nuts, but he would never say anything because he was crazy about the girl. They married in 1961. They had three children: daughter Kim (Brown), and sons Chris and Terry.

Al joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1956 and received the M-1 Rifle Sharpshooter Badge as a Private. He became a Munitions Specialist and received an Honorable Discharge as a Sargent First Class in 1967. He was very proud to serve his country and wore his veterans hat almost daily.

Al and Val loved taking the kids and grandkids camping and fishing at Kelso Lake Resort for more than 40 years. Al always had toolboxes full of everything you needed to fix just about anything for their camp friends. Val always brought four of everything. No one at the resort ever went without or had an issue that couldn’t be fixed.

Like so many family members before him, Al started working in the mining industry after high school graduation. Al also found that he had carpentry skills and before long, he had the tools and knowledge to build and remodel anything. Al worked construction until the ’80s, when he was offered a hoistman’s position at the Caladay Mine. He was very proud to work the same important job that his Dad had worked. Al later returned to his true passion of building and he worked for Hallmark Homes until he retired in 2004.

Al enjoyed his family, friends, motor home, four-wheeler, train collection, home renovations and bowling in national tournaments.

We’re guessing there is a big remodel in heaven with his wife, Val, leading the effort.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 26, 2017, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, Idaho, with a celebration of life reception following the service at Al’s home.

Please visit Al’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.