Robert Koning

Robert (Bob) Koning of Lafayette, IN passed away on June 6, 2022 after more than a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Bob is survived by his son, Brian Koning (Doreen), Avon, Indiana, and daughter Alicia Sendmeyer (Scott), Vicenza, Italy, and five grandchildren, Kaitlin (Koning) Stalnaker (Andrew), Karli (Koning) Stoller, (Johann), Kyler Koning, Paige Sendmeyer, Alex Sendmeyer, and his first great grandchild, Mila Rae Stalnaker. Also surviving is a brother, John (Jack) Koning and his extended family including Charles Williams (Nancy), Rita Erlenbach (Dick) and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his former wife DeEtta (Schilling) Koning to which his children and family are extremely grateful for caring for him at his home throughout his lengthy illness. Bob was born in Lafayette, Indiana to Lora E. (Betty) Raisor and Henry J. Koning, both deceased. He is also preceded in death by a sister, Jennifer L. (Jenny) Williams (Charles), his in-laws, Leonard and Alicia Schilling, and recently his brother-in-law, James R. Schilling (Janet, deceased). Raised in the Lafayette’s north end, Bob attended Longlois and Vinton Elementary schools, Sunnyside Jr. High School and Lafayette Jefferson High School (Class of 1960). When he was younger, he was a paperboy for the Lafayette Journal and Courier for the neighborhoods surrounding Vinton Elementary School. He was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served in Paris, France from 1965-1967. Bob retired from Eli Lilly & Company, Tippecanoe Labs as a Senior Operator in Chemical Dispensing in 1999 after 30 years of service. Following retirement, he worked part time as a courier for Lafayette Community Bank. He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Lafayette. He was also involved in various organizations and was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 465 (3rd degree), Navy Club, Ship 12, 40 & 8 Voiture 364, Eagles Lodge 347, and a former member of the Moose and Elks lodges. Over the past several years, Bob was as a member of the American Legion Post 11 and regularly participated in the Post 11 Honor Guard, something he was very proud to do. Bob was a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan, Purdue University Football season ticket holder, as well as a fan of NASCAR and professional golf. He regularly attended the Indianapolis 500 with friends and family. When he was younger, he was avid softball player and he continued to play golf and bowl in leagues throughout the Lafayette area until he became ill in 2021. Visitation and a funeral mass will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church located at 1916 Meharry St. in Lafayette on Thursday, June 16th. Visitation will be from 11:30pm – 1:00pm with funeral mass at 1:00pm, Fr. Jeff Martin and Deacon James Rush officiating. All are welcome to attend the burial at Tippecanoe Memorial Gardens in West Lafayette immediately following mass, with military rites conducted by the American Legion Post 11 Honor Guard. Family and friends are invited to attend a gathering at Walt’s Pub & Grill, 1050 Kalberer Rd., West Lafayette following the burial service. In-lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Legion Post 11 Honor Guard or the Community Cancer Network. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home of Lafayette is honored to serve the Koning family. Please leave memories and condolences at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com