Mary Ann Koenig
Mary Ann Koenig
Cedar Rapids
Mary Ann Koenig, 75, of Cedar Rapids passed away on Jan. 6, 2023, at the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha following a short illness. She died peacefully, surrounded by her husband and two daughters. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Steve Koenig; her daughters, Jennifer (Mike) Shirk and Jodi Koenig; her grandchildren, Joseph and Katherine Shirk; her mother-in-law, Lucille Koenig; her sister-in-law, Kathy Lenth; nieces, Teri (Tony) Khazen and Kristi (Nate) Tibben; sister-in-law, Becky Picard (Denny Waldron); and her nephews, Christian (Erica) Picard and Ryan (Jill) Picard. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Lorado and Bernice Lenth; and her brother, Dennis Lenth.
Mary Ann was born April 6, 1947, in Farmersburg, Iowa. She graduated from MFL high school in Monona, Iowa, and then attended Luther College and the University of Iowa. In 1968, she was hired by the Seifert’s clothing stores of Cedar Rapids to be the youth coordinator of their Young Iowa Board. That led to a successful 40-year career in the fashion industry. Mary Ann loved travelling the world as a clothing buyer, merchandise manager and eventually as vice president of the Seifert’s corporation. She was also proud to be a member of the advisory board to Iowa State University’s Textile and Apparel Program.
Mary Ann loved beautiful things. She loved interior design and lovely clothes and antiques. She and her husband Steve spent many years collecting antiques and turned that hobby into Antiques of Marion, which they have owned for 25 years.
Mary Ann’s professionalism was highly respected by many, and she loved her work – but nothing surpassed her love of her family. Her daughters remember magical holidays, home-cooked meals every night, the friendly competition of game nights, and growing up in a beautiful home. She always had time for creative projects with her kids and grandkids, and they especially loved making pumpkin bread and chocolate chip cookies with her.
Her friends will remember her as hardworking, smart and funny. Her little dog Max will remember her as his best friend in the whole entire world.
As per Mary Ann’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Her family wishes to thank everyone who has offered support, particularly Becky Picard and her family and all of the doctors and nurses at the Mercy Hospital Intensive Care Unit. Memorials in Mary Ann’s name should be directed to the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha.