Michael Koenecke, 79, of Spirit Lake passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake, IA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, May 21, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spirit Lake, IA. A rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM on Thursday at the church followed by a visitation up until the time of the service at the church. Burial will take place in the St. Margaret’s Cemetery in Spirit Lake, IA. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake, IA. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com
Michael Joseph Koenecke was born on June 23, 1946, in Estherville, IA, to Francis and Pauline (Basset) Koenecke. He graduated from High School in Estherville, IA, and attended Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville and later earned his bachelor’s degree from Mankato University. He owned and operated K&S Lumber Yard in Estherville and later managed CEA Lumber yard in Ocheyedan, IA. He was united in marriage to Janice Nelson on April 8, 1972, in Estherville, IA.
He was member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spirit Lake, IA, where he was a member if the Knights of Columbus. He managed the Lakes Area Farmers Market for 25 years and was a chairman on the Dickinson County Republican Party for 20 plus years. In his free time, he enjoyed target shooting, fishing, golf and fixing old radios.
He is survived by his wife Janice Koenecke of Spirit Lake, IA; son John Koenecke of Spirit Lake, IA; daughter Jennifer (Clifford) McMurray of Kansas City, MO; granddaughter Mallory McMurray and his sister Mary (Merlin) Nelson of Shoreview, MN.
He was preceded in death by his parents.