L.A. Koenenn

L. A. Koenenn, Jr., a lifelong resident of the Coast and a retired businessman, died early Tuesday at his home in Long Beach. He was 96 years old.
He was preceded in death four years ago by Mae Dolese Koenenn, his wife of 71 years. He was born in Kiln, Ms. to L. A. Koenenn, Sr., and Laura Dambrino Koenenn, also now deceased. After attending school in Kiln, he moved with his parents to Gulfport in 1939.
After his graduation from Gulfport High School, he attended Loyola University, where he earned a degree in economics. It was while he attended Loyola that he met his future wife, a student at St. Mary's Dominican College in New Orleans.
He worked briefly after graduating from Loyola but was soon caught up in the war effort. He attended the Naval Officers' Training School, where he earned his ensign's stripe. After he was commissioned, he was ordered to the South Pacific to serve on Admiral William Halsey's staff. Throughout his life he maintained a fondness for the Navy and kept his standing in the Navy Reserve. He was called back to active duty during the Korean War and was put in charge of Navy Reserve activities in the Knoxville, Tn. Area. It was then that he achieved the rank of lieutenant commander.
While in civilian life in Gulfport, he opened his office as an accountant, tax consultant and estate advisor. He also served on the board of directors of the Hancock Bank for 43 years.
Even with a busy career, he never lost his interest in boats. He had a 47-foot wooden fishing boat built in Biloxi, which Mae Koenenn named ""Briny Marlin."" He and his family and friends spent many fishing trips on the boat.
Twice he lost his home on East Beach in Long Beach to hurricanes and both times rebuilt. After Hurricane Katrina, he and Mrs. Koenenn lived for some time at Windance, but they could not overcome the draw of their beachfront property and returned there in 2009 to their third home on the property. While living in Long Beach the family became active in St. Thomas Catholic Church and all four of their children attended St. Thomas School and St. John High School in Gulfport.
The Koenenn children have remained close to their coastal roots. Anne Koenenn Meek (Tom) lives in Baton Rouge. Alfred Koenenn (Judi) is in Gulfport. Margaret Koenenn Papaleo (Dennis) is in Ponchatoula, La., and Emily Koenenn Henriksen (Arve) is in Mobile, AL. His grandchildren, Lisa Meek Mayeaux, John Meek, Edward Francis and Will Henriksen are in Baton Rouge. Cori Meek Howington is in Savannah, Ga. Richard Koenenn is in Atlanta. Stephen Koenenn is in Diamondhead. Jason Koenenn is in Hattiesburg. Thomas Francis is in Denver, and Matthew Frey and Laura Henriksen are in Mobile. He also leaves a brother, Joseph Koenenn of Gulfport and numerous great grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday April 11 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Long Beach, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery at Rotten Bayou in Pass Christian. Arrangements are being handled by RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Long Beach.
The family asks that memorials be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 720 Each Beach, Long Beach, Ms. 39560, or St. Vincent DePaul Pharmacy, 715 Division St., Biloxi, MS 39530.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com