Published: January 20, 2025
Updated: January 20, 2025
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On December 14th, 2024, Raymond Paul Koenig passed away in Grand Junction, Colorado, at the age of 78. Raymond was a respected leader at Koenig Equipment and a valued member of the community, and he will be greatly missed.
Born on April 28, 1946, in Botkins, Ohio, Raymond was a visionary whose contributions made a significant impact on both the business world and his local community. As the first child of Emerson and Janet McDermott Koenig, Ray showed a commitment to excellence early on, graduating as valedictorian of his high school class. He pursued higher education at the Case Institute of Technology, earning an engineering degree, and served four years in the United States Air Force. Driven by a passion for lifelong learning, Ray furthered his education with an MBA from Harvard University.
In 1974, Ray returned to Botkins to lead Koenig Equipment, the family-owned John Deere dealership founded by his grandfather, John C. Koenig, in 1904. As CEO and President of the Board, he focused on expanding the company's reach and enhancing its services. Under his leadership, Koenig Equipment grew into a leading dealership with 15 locations serving customers throughout Ohio and Indiana. Ray's strategic vision and dedication to quality and customer satisfaction were instrumental in this success.
Beyond his role at Koenig Equipment, Ray was actively involved in the agricultural industry. He served as President of The Ohio Equipment Dealers Association and represented equipment dealers at John Deere and industry-related seminars and discussions. In recognition of his dedication and support to farm equipment dealerships, Ray was inducted into Lessiter Publishing's Farm Equipment Hall of Fame in 2024.
Ray's commitment to community service was equally noteworthy. He served as President and Trustee of The Shelby County United Way and was Campaign Chair in 1997. His philanthropic efforts extended to numerous initiatives, including the addition of the Rehabilitation Wing to the Ohio Living Dorothy Love Home, supporting Sidney City Schools levies, contributing to the University of Cincinnati's Frontotemporal Dementia research, and supporting the SAE fraternity at Case Western Reserve University.
Ray was married to Louise Grillot Koenig for 45 years until her passing. He is survived by his son, Christian, daughter-in-law Jackie Buschur Koenig, granddaughters Cameron, Jordan, Adriane, Blake, and Devin, and ten siblings.
Raymond Koenig's legacy is one of leadership, community service, and unwavering dedication to both his industry and his hometown. His life's work continues to inspire those who knew him and the many lives he touched through his professional and philanthropic endeavors.
Celebration of Life
The Koenig Equipment Family will celebrate the life and achievements of Raymond P Koenig on Saturday, February 1 from 2-6 pm at the Shared Resource Center. We warmly invite Customers and community members to join us. Light refreshments will be available, and casual attire is encouraged.
Address:
Koenig Equipment Headquarters - Shared Resource Center
15213 OH-274
Botkins, OH 45306