Justin Peter Koenen

Justin Peter Koenen, 85, of Dike, died Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at UnityPoint Health–Allen Hospital in Waterloo. He was born June 19, 1935, in George, the son of Rev. Peter and Jennie Ostendorf Koenen. He graduated from Aplington High School. He earned his BA from ISTC (UNI) and later completed his MA from UNI.

Justin served in the United States Army (1954-1956). He married Elaine Haats in 1957 at the Aplington Reformed Church.

He taught Industrial Arts and Technical Education in Ottumwa and then at West Waterloo High School for 35 years. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and former member of Grace Reformed Church, where he served as an Elder, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; daughter, Corrine (Mark) Yarwood of Waterloo; sons, Kendall (Teri) of Parkersburg and Daniel (Karen) of Ankeny; 6 grandchildren, Lea (Ryan) Jones, Laura (fiancé Dustin) Koenen, Cassie (Kyle) Frost, Katie Yarwood, Jessica (Kent) Efkamp, and Justin (Olivia) Koenen; 8 great grandchildren, Cade, Camden, Corbin and Camellia Frost; Ayla, Isaiah and Violet Jones; and Lucas Efkamp; a brother, Dennis of Aplington; sisters, Alda (Donald) Frey of Cedar Falls and Vera Osland of Aplington; sisters in law, Judy Koenen of Mankato, MN and Judy Koenen of Bristow; and a brother in law, Richard Vandenoever of Goshen, IN. Justin is preceded in death by brothers, Wayne and Paul; sisters, Inez Ketchum and her husband Bob and Rita Vandenoever; and a brother in law, Gerald Osland.

Justin deeply loved his wife and children. He enjoyed building and working with his hands. He truly enjoyed his interactions with neighbors, fellow teachers, and his many students and friends.

After every conversation with family members or friends, Justin would end by saying, "God Bless."