In Honor of My Grandpa

In honor of my Grandpa I wanted to post some information about him. I love you Grandpa. May you rest in peace.


KOENIG, Ronald Edward
CAREER LAWMAN RONALD E. KOENIG DIES AT AGE 76
On August 14, 2009, Ronald Edward Koenig completed a full life lived for his family and the law enforcement community.
Ron was born to Vernal and Regina (Donlin) Koenig on August 14, 1933, in Spencer, Nebraska. He attended St. Charles Elementary School and moved with his family to Red Bluff, California at the age of 12. He graduated from Mercy Academy and Red Bluff Union High School. He worked at the local lumber mills and hauled hay while attending Shasta College. Ron later attended Chico State University on the GI Bill and continued working nights at the Red Bluff Moulding Mill.
Ron joined the United States Army in 1951 and was attached to the 11th and 82nd Airborne Paratrooper Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Fort Bragg, South Carolina. He was Sergeant with 57 master parachute jumps and received an honorary discharge after being shot during a training exercise. While in the Army, Ron met the love of his life, Patricia Hearn of Nashville, Tennessee. They married in 1956.
Ron began his career in law enforcement in 1958 upon graduation from the California Highway Patrol Academy. He was a State Traffic Motor Officer and was assigned to the San Bernardino County Division. He continued with the CHP as a public relations officer for theYuba-Sutter County and Red Bluff communities from 1958 - 1974.
Ron continued to serve in the law enforcement community upon being elected as Sheriff of Tehama County in 1974, the office he held until 1985. Under his leadership, he was instrumental in professionalizing the Department through POST certification of its officers. He oversaw the completion of the new jail, created the neighborhood watch and senior volunteer programs, As sheriff, he also established the explorer scouts program and reinstated the mounted sheriff's posse. Ron was also effective in establishing the Departments first marijuana eradication program.
In 1985, Ron was appointed as Chairman of the California Board of Prison Terms by Governor George Deukmejian and reappointed by Governor Pete Wilson. He served as Chairman of the Board for twelve years during which time he participated in parole hearings for high profile criminals such as Charles Manson and SirHanSirHan. He served longer as Chairman than anyone in the history of California.
Ron was a member of the California State Sheriff's Association, the California Peace Officer's Association, the Red Bluff Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, and Rotary International. He was an avid tennis player, loved to play poker with his family and friends and loved to dance. As a young man attending college, he taught dance at the Chico Arthur Murray School of Dance.
Ron is survived by his wife, Patricia, of 52 years. They raised four children together: Teresa (Koenig) Meza of Richmond, VA, Angela (Koenig) Schiele, Barry Koenig, and Bryan Koenig of Elk Grove, CA. Ron has twelve grandchildren and two great-grand children. A brother, Robert Koenig of Folsom, Ca and sisters Donna Jones of Seattle, WA and Mary Thompson of Redding, CA. Ron's Mother, Regina Koenig, is 100 years old and is still living in Red Bluff, CA. Preceded in death by his Father, Vernal J. Koenig.
Besides his loyalty to his wife, children and grandchildren, Ron's true passion was to law enforcement. Ron, whenever possible, encouraged many young men and women to the profession he dearly loved. We will remember Ron for his infectious laugh and how he loved to tease. His grandchildren will honor and remember their grandfather's tireless work ethic and as a man of integrity.
A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on August 20, 2009 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 9961 Elk Grove Florin Road, Elk Grove, CA with funeral to follow on Friday, August 21 at 1pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the following organizations: Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis, Suite F #227 1659 Branham Lane, San Jose, CA 95118 www.coalitionforpf.org

Veterans Wreaths Across America, P.O. Box 256, Harrington, ME 04643. www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
Published in the The Sacramento Bee on August 16, 2009