Koenig Frances Mickelson

BLACK EARTH-Frances Mickelson Koenig was born in Black Earth, on March 7, 1918 and died on Wednesday, November 23, 2011. She was the loving daughter of Alfred and Esther (Lundell) Mickelson of Black Earth. She graduated from Black Earth High School in 1936. In 1940 she received a B.A. degree in Elementary Education from Whitewater State Teacher’s College (now UW-Whitewater) where she met her future husband. She and Arthur S. Koenig were married on January 1, 1942, in Black Earth. Two loving children were born to this union; Ronald A. And Joanne F. During World War II, Frances traveled with her husband, who was in the military service. In 1944 when her husband was in service overseas, she was employed as Secretary to the Board Chairman of the Tire and Gas Rationing Board at Badger Ordnance, Baraboo. After moving to Madison from Rockford, Illinois, she started substitute teaching in the Madison Public Schools for eight years. She also held Learning Sessions for Public School Substitute Teachers. For 25 years she was a classroom teacher in Elementary grades, and taught in Menomonie, Little Rock, Ark., Rockford, IL and Madison until her retirement in 1982. She dearly loved her vocation. She was a very active and dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church, using her talents of teaching and music. She helped organize the Cradle Roll and Nursery, was President of the Mother’s Club, President and Secretary of Trinity Lutheran Church Women. She taught and conducted children’s music and worship services at Sunday school and Bible School. She held Learning Session for area Sunday School Teachers. Frances was an accomplished pianist and soloist with Trinity’s choir for many years, taught private piano lessons, and has directed both adult and children’s choirs. Frances was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an International Women’s Educators Society. She served for eight years as Sigma State Music Director, planning and directing music for State Conventions and presenting numerous Music Workshops. She held positions and was music chairman of her local Alpha Chapter. Since joining in 1972 she held positions in the Black Earth Alumni Association, and was a member of Madison Area Retired Teachers. After her retirement in 1982, Frances and her husband toured and cruised extensively. From these travels she authored and presented monologs, musical programs and sing-a-longs for ten years. Her music brought joy and comfort to all who knew her and was a testimony of her faith and love of God. She touched many lives. Survivors include her loving husband Arthur of 69 years; a son, Ronald (Elaine) Koenig of Black Earth; a daughter, Joanne (Garry) Owens of Frisco, TX.; two grandchildren, Michelle (Ron) Skaife of Barneveld, Bryan (Alison) Koenig of Poynette; three great-granddaughters, Elizabeth and Courtney Skaife and AnnaMae Koenig; a dear sister, Anna Mae Carlson of Byron, IL, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Ronald, Carroll and Earl Mickelson. A Memorial service in celebration of her life will be held at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH,1904 Winnebago Street, Madison at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 28, 2011 with Reverend Susan Schneider presiding. A private burial will be held in Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison. Visitation will be held on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave 608-831-6761 www.gundersonfh.com Cemetery: A private burial will be held in Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. A Memorial service in celebration of her life will be held at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH,1904 Winnebago Street, Madison at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 28, 2011 with Reverend Susan Schneider presiding