Barbara JoAnn Koenig, 84, passed away at 6:34 a.m., Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton, Missouri of complications from a stroke.
She was born in Fieldon, Illinois on December 8, 1940, one of three children born to Cornelius “Colonel” and Mary (Walz) Halter.
With four children by her side, she met the love of her life, Harold Joseph Koenig, they married on May 26, 1973 in Jerseyville…what was he thinking. Together they added three more children to the family and cherished every minute, loving all seven children and the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to come.
Barbara, known by most as JoAnn, devoted her life to being a homemaker, and her home reflected her deep love and care for her family and those around her. From the warmth of her kitchen to the comfort of her presence, she had a way of making everyone feel welcome. She was a gifted cook, best known for her hamburgers, vegetable beef soup and homemade pies, which became staples at family gatherings. After a long day cooking for the family, she enjoyed relaxing in her recliner with one leg over the arm rest.
In addition to her role in the home, JoAnn also owned and operated Body Temple Tan & Tone in Jerseyville. Through this venture, she formed countless friendships and became a familiar, friendly face to many in the community.
Surviving are her husband of 52 years, Harold J. Koenig of Medora; six children, Bev (Randy) Williamson of Texas, Kelly Brandon and her partner, Don Williams, of Jerseyville, Terry (Jamie) Ritchey of Jerseyville, Vanessa Smith-Herkert and her husband, Steve Herkert of Jerseyville, Lynn Koenig of Jerseyville, and Joseph (Amanda) Koenig of Jerseyville; sister-in-law, Jean Halter of Tennessee;
She is also survived by 17 grandchildren: Zach (Regina) March of Texas, Daniel March of Texas, Neil James (Jeanne) March of Texas; Kris (Deirek) Boyd of Edwardsville, Brandon Gibson and partner Danielle Miller of Jerseyville, Ethan (Ashlynne) Gibson of Alton, Kelsey (Justin) Strebel of Jerseyville; Rachel Lamb of Jerseyville, Nathan (Kari) Crenshaw of Jerseyville, Billy Ritchey of Godfrey; Gregory Smith of Alton, Blake (Janelle) Smith of Jerseyville, Luke Smith of Jerseyville; Laura Jo Koenig of Jerseyville; Andrew, Sophia and Emma Koenig of Jerseyville; and 13 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Laura Ann Koenig (1973-1986); a brother, Robert “Bobby” Halter; a sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Ray Hess; a nephew, Douglas Halter; and a son-in-law, Neil March.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday with Rev. David Prosser officiating.
Burial will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Make-A-Wish Foundation or St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School, in care of the funeral home.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
