Benjamin J. Koenen

Benjamin J. Koenen, 35, of Oakfield, died Thursday, January 3, 2019 at home surrounded by his parents and his brother, after ten strong years fighting brain cancer. Did he lose the battle…? We know it wore him down, it exhausted him, it stole his ability to walk, and took his life, but cancer didn’t change his spirit or his positive attitude. Ben truly was a light in this world. He was selfless and kind. He touched so many of us with a heart of gold. Ben was blessed with a kind, positive spirit. Cancer did not take this away, even through the toughest challenges.



He was born September 4, 1983 in Fond du Lac, the son of Joseph and Karen Rumbuc Koenen. Ben graduated from Oakfield High School Class of 2002. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 2003 – 2007 stationed at Dyess Airforce Base in Abilene, Texas and deployed to Diego Garcia, in the Indian Ocean. He was a Sr. Airman and his specialty was Aerospace Propulsion – Jet Engines Journeyman. While serving he received Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. On June 4, 2004 he married Linda Mione in Michigan and they later separated. Ben worked for General Electric in Texas as a Wind Technician from 2007 – 2008. In 2008 until 2015 when he retired because he was unable to work, he worked for Invenergy in Brownsville, WI as a Wind Technician.



Ben loved making ribs on the grill, snowboarding, and looked forward to the annual musky fishing tournament with his dad and the guys. He absolutely loved baseball, especially the Boston Red Sox and was thrilled having the opportunity to meet David Ortiz in 2015 at Fenway Park.



He is survived by his parents, Joe and Karen Koenen of Oakfield; his brother, Robert Koenen of Oakfield; aunts and uncles, Ben and Jean Koenen of Fond du Lac, Joe Rumbuc of Fond du Lac, Jeff Rumbuc of Fond du Lac, Kathy (Jim) Geelan of Fond du Lac, Charles Rumbuc of Kaukauna, and Chris (Mark “Bert”) Burleton of Oakfield; his faithful companion, his dog, Tex; many cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ben and Sally Koenen; his maternal grandparents, Alex and Audrey Rumbuc; aunt, Mary (Ronald) Hansen; and cousins, Margaret Beth Geelan and Patrick Geelan.



The visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 PM on Monday, January 7, 2019 at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home and again on Tuesday from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Sons of Zebedee, St. James Church in Oakfield. Burial will follow in Avoca Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.



The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Jennifer Connelly and staff at Froedtert Hospital for their care and compassion given to Ben and his family over the years and to the entire staff of Agnesian Home Hospice for the wonderful care given to Ben during his illness. The family also thanks all of Ben’s friends for their many visits. Finally to his brother, Bob for doing so many things with Ben and making sure they never missed a Friday going to Buffalo Wild Wings.