Carol Koenig

Carol lived a life that can truly be classified as a love story, and in more ways than one. While Carol's story does include a charming tale about her and her husband, Carol's story is also composed of many small episodes of love---love showed in her devotion to her family and friends. Carol lived her life with freedom and zest, and brought beauty and joy into the lives of her family and friends.

Life in 1938 was not easy. With tensions growing, the economy in devastation, and WWII right around the corner, Americans were both nervous and tense. However, in Kalamazoo Michigan, Harold and Julia (Haplin) Oswalt were busily preparing their home for their third child. On November 16, 1938, the Oswalt family welcomed their new daughter, Carol, into their home. Growing up in the midst of WWII was not an easy task. While Carol's father was mechanic, her mother kept busy preparing a loving home for her children. Like any American girl at this time, Carol kept busy throughout her childhood by roller-skating.

Carol graduated from Portage Central High School in 1956. Throughout high school, she was a rather shy girl. During her senior year, Carol earned some extra money and took advantage of her roller skating skills by working at a car hop. One night, Carol skated up to the car of a young gentleman named Fred Koenig. After she served him his food, Fred drove right off, taking the tray and everything else with him. In the end, everything turned out rather well--Fred drove back to return the tray, and in the process he asked Carol out on a date. Some young couples know right away that they are meant for each other. For Fred and Carol, this was the case. One day, Carol and Fred decided to sneak off to Parchment to meet with the Justice of the Peace. The two were happily married on March 2, 1956

The newlywed couple settled in Kalamazoo. Right away, they started a trucking business, Contractor's Transport, which they would own and operate their entire lives. In 1968, Fred and Carol welcomed their first child, Kimberley, into their home. In 1972, this young family welcomed another addition, Jeniffer.

Between helping run their business with her husband and caring for her children, Carol was a busy lady. But she adored being a mom, and was great at it too. She loved to involve herself in all of her children's' activities, and took great joy in making their skating outfits. From shopping for her girls, to curling their hair, and fussing over their clothes, Carol enjoyed every minute of caring for Jeniffer and Kimberley.

The Koenig family had many wonderful times together. They enjoyed a big Christmas celebration every year with the family, and even spent some in Disney World. While as a child Carol had never gotten to travel with her family, she wished differently for her own children. The family enjoyed taking trips together, and traveled many places, including a large trip out west. Together, the Koenig family visited almost every corner of the country.

Carol enjoyed keeping busy and doing things for her family. She and her mother were extremely close, and enjoyed spending time together. Carol was also an extremely hard worker. She enjoyed reading about the Kennedys, and loved to smoke her More White Light Menthol cigarettes. Carol loved her dogs too, which were all Schnauzers, and enjoyed collecting Precious Moments. Carol also had a special taste for cars, and loved having new ones. Her favorite cars were Thunderbirds, which all had to be white.

Over the past year, Carol started to lose a lot of weight. On February 13, 2009, Carol went to the doctor, where it was discovered that she had colon, rectal, and liver cancer. On April 3, 2009, Carol died at her home in Kalamazoo.

Carol was a strong, opinionated, and loving woman. An extremely dedicated mother and wife, Carol gladly shared her time and energy caring for those she loved. She has helped create many wonderful memories in the lives of her family and friends, and will continue to live on in their hearts.

Carol was preceded in death by her daughter, Jeniffer Koenig; her sister, Betty Prouty; and by her brother, Harold Oswalt. Surviving are her husband of 53 years, Fred Koenig; her daughter, Kimberley Koenig; a sister-in-law, Donna Oswalt; and by several nieces and nephews. Learn more about Carol, view her Life Story film, and share in some refreshments with her family and friends on Tuesday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900 where services will be held Wednesday at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Please visit Carol’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her memory book before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial contribution to the West Michigan Cancer Center or Paws with a Cause.