Lyle M. Koenig

Lyle M. Koenig, 94, of Upper Tulpehocken Twp., passed away Friday September 5th in St. Joseph Medical Center, Bern Twp.

He was married to Erma I. (Breidigan) Koenig. Lyle and Erma were married November 4, 1944 and would have celebrated seventy years of marriage this November.

Born in Armstrong, Iowa, he was the son of the late Clayton and Jennie (Kramer) Koenig.

He graduated from Penn Bernville High School in June of 1939.

He served in the Navy during WW II enlisting on September 9, 1939 and serving for six years. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Aylwin # 355 and sailed to Hawaii from San Diego. He was on the U.S.S. Aylwin # 355 on December 7, 1941 when Pearl Harbor was attacked. The U.S.S.#355 Aylwin was tied to to two buoy's and was able to get underway and leave Pearl Harbor. After Pearl Harbor the U.S.S. # 355 Aylwin continued operating throughout the Pacific protecting the U. S. Fleet while earning thirteen Battle Stars. Lyle was along for the first five battles. In January of 1943 Lyle was assigned to the L. S. T. # 620 (Landing Ship Tank) which transported troops to Europe and Normandy.

Lyle was discharged on October 22, 1945 as a Chief Motor Machinist Mate. He is one of the last Pearl Harbor survivors in Berks Co. and is documented in the book "Ordinary Heroes" written by Sharon Wagner and son Stephen Wagner. He was a life member of the National Organization "Pearl Harbor Survivors Assoc." since 1964. The P.H.S. A. meets several times a year at Wegman's Restaurant.

He was a farmer for many years and a local painter for ten years. He retired from Hamburg Area School District, Strausstown Building as a custodian.

He was a faithful member of Zion Blue Mountain United Church of Christ in Strausstown.

Surviving with his loving wife Erma are two sons, Kenneth Lyle Koenig, husband of Carol of Upper Tulpehocken Twp. and Lynn Koenig, husband of Melissa of Hamburg.

There are four grandchildren, Rebecca Schulze and husband John, Justin Koenig and wife Kendall, Jon Koenig, and Jessica Saul and husband Justin. Also, there are three great grandchildren, Brock and Hanna Schulze and Morgan Ohnmacht.

He is predeceased by a brother, Floyd Koenig.

Funeral services will be Thursday September 11th at 10:30 am in Zion Blue Mountain United Church of Christ, 6573 Old US 22, Strausstown, PA 19559 (GPS users use Bernville, PA 19506). Rev. Josh Knappenberger will be officiating. Interment will follow in Strausstown Cemetery where military honors will be performed.. A viewing will be held on Thursday morning in the church from 9:30 am until time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Blue Mountain UCC at the above address.

The Kirkhoff Funeral Home, Bernville is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
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