Herbert Koenig, who helped build his father’s blacksmith shop into what is now RKI Inc, died June 29 at the age of 95.
His parents, Emil and Meta Koenig, came to the United States in 1911, shortly before Herbert was born. With few material resources, Emil Koenig started a blacksmith shop, and Herbert began working there at an early age. Under Herbert’s leadership, the company was transformed into a major manufacturer of winches, cranes, truck bodies, and toolboxes. Hebert was involved with Koenig Iron Works until shortly after the company was sold in 1978.
Koenig was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Evelyn Edna Zoll Koenig. He is survived by his five children: Herbert, Jr., Richard, Thomas, Kathleen Querbach and Kurt. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Among those serving as honorary pallbearers were O.H. Stelter, a long-time Koenig Iron Works sales manager, and Conrad “Buddy” Carroll, Koenig’s distributor in the Houston area for many years.
In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Herbert’s name may be sent to the Parkinson Foundation of Harris County, 7457 Harwin Dr., Houston, TX, 77036 or to Goodwill of Houston, 10795 Hammerly Blvd., Houston, TX, 77043.