Dionysius "Deo" Koenigs

Dionysius (Deo) Koenigs, 91, of St. Ansgar, Iowa, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center. Deo was born on January 30, 1935, on a farm near Meyer, Iowa, to Paul and Marie (Bissen) Koenigs. Deo was a humble man who shied away from taking credit for his accomplishments.

After attending Sacred Heart Grade School in Meyer, and graduating from McIntire High school, he served in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1955.

On April 11, 1956, Deo married Joan Niess, his Marine Corp pen pal. They started their married life in Cedar Rapids Iowa, where Deo was employed at Iowa Manufacturing. In 1959 Deo and Joan began farming in Meyer and together raised six children.

Deo was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 1982, representing his legislative district for 16 years. He was well respected by his constituents and fellow legislators and was known for his foresight and thoughtfulness.

After retiring from office, Deo and Joan spent 22 years traveling and enjoying wintering in Arizona. They had the pleasure of making many new friends from across the US and Canada. In the last few years, they replaced the joys of sunny Arizona with the delight of engaging with their great grandchildren. He was devoted to his family and frequently expressed his gratitude for a truly blessed life.

Deo was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, a 50-year member of the American Legion and other community organizations.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Joan: his 5 sons Mark (Sindee), Jim (Linda), Harry (Robin), Greg (Sally), Paul, and daughter Lisa (Keith) Heimer; Grandchildren: Angela, Alex ( Megan); Clark (Momo); Emily (Jason) Myrvold, Jackson, Chandler, Hunter (Alison), Edyth, Autum, Joe (Abby) Heimer, Tony (Lauren) Heimer, Sam (Cylea) Heimer, Grace (Dylan) Hanna, and 15 great grandchildren; siblings; Elaine Ramberg, Jerry (Sandy), sister-in law Bonnie and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by daughter Sandra; grandsons Casey, Taylor (sons of Mark and Sindee), and Jacob (son of Harry and Robin) brothers: John, Roman, sister-in-law Ruth; brother-in-law Dan Ramberg and in-laws of the Niess family.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation for Deo Koenigs Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Sacred Heart Oratory in Meyer Iowa (address 2697 480th St., McIntire, IA 50455). A celebration of life will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Oratory.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donation to be made to: St. Ansgar First Responders, Good Samaritan or Stacyville Community Nursing Homes, Visitation Parish or Sacred Heart Oratory.

Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements.