Funeral service for Helenmarie W. Koenig of Jackson, was held Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson. The Rev. Jason Shaw officiated. Burial followed at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson. Arrangements were handled by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.
Helenmarie, 91, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, at SoutheastHEALTH in Cape Girardeau. She was born March 29, 1930, near Friedheim, to Oscar and Mary Kester Tuschhoff. She and Elmer C. Koenig were married Sept. 5, 1954, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Friedheim, also the church of her baptism and confirmation. She and Elmer had been married nearly 49 years when Elmer passed away July 22, 2003.
Helenmarie attended grade school in Arnsberg and Trinity Lutheran School in Friedheim. She was a 1948 graduate of Perryville High School. The summer after her high school graduation, she attended Southeast Missouri State University and then embarked on her extensive 54-year teaching career. One-room schools where she taught included Hilderbrand School from 1948-1950; 1951-1956 at Arnsberg; and 1957-1958 at Trinity Lutheran School in Shawneetown. In 1959, she began her 43-year tenure at St. Paul Lutheran School in Jackson, teaching mostly third grade. Helenmarie thoroughly enjoyed working with all the children she taught. She received her bachelor degree from Southeast Missouri State University by attending summer school and night classes.
Helenmarie had been a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church since 1958. She was active in Tuesday Morning Bible Class, the Altar Guild, Sax-ony Organization and was a greeter.
In retirement, she enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening. Prior to Elmer’s passing, they always enjoyed traveling.
Loving survivors include two brothers, Harold (Kay) Tuschhoff of Jackson, and Harlan (the late Marie) Tuschhoff of Sedgewickville, nieces and nephews, Cheryl (Mark) Renne of Foristell, Donna Tuschhoff of Eureka, Dan (Kathy) Tuschhoff of Jackson, great-nieces and great-nephews, Tyler (Tessa) Tuschhoff, Nikole, Lizze, Emily Tuschhoff, Heather and Derek Palisch, Jessica Tuschhoff, Kyle (Ellen) Renee and Eric and Logan Renee, and great-great-nieces, Emily and Aubrie Palisch and Isla Renee. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a brother, Hilbert (Aileen) Tuschhoff, and sister-in-law, Marie Tuschhoff and a nephew, Timothy Tuschhoff.
Memorials may take the form of contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church or School or the donor’s choice of church or charity.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab of Helenmarie’s personal obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.
