Rod James Koenen, 63, of Union Grove, WI passed away unexpectedly from a cardiac event at his home on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Rod was born in Milwaukee, WI on September 2, 1960. Rod spent most of his early life in Union Grove, graduating from Union Grove Grade School and High School with honors. Rod continued his education at University of Wisconsin- Parkside with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in History and continued on to University of Wisconsin- Madison School of Law, Juris Doctorate in Law graduating on the Dean's List and was an Advanced Legal Writing Honor Recipient. Rod specialized in Family, Corporate, Probate, Estate and Traffic Law for most of his career and was an Attorney/Partner with the Law offices of Hartig, Bjelajac, Henzel, & Koenen in Racine, WI before eventually going into solo practice for himself in Union Grove, WI. Rod also was honored to serve as Union Grove Municipal Court Judge from 1997 to 2010. Recently he was delighted to be assisting with the Veteran's Outreach in Union Grove.

Rod was affectionately known for his huge heart and willingness to give the shirt off his back for anyone in need. He uniquely found the good in others and advocated for them when they needed it most. He believed in unconditional love, forgiveness and the joy of Family! He treasured photos of his son "Drew" and all his loved ones and displayed them proudly in his home to show others what was truly important to him. Rod had a beautiful love of animals, especially for the ones that touched his heart and graced his life in years gone by: Snuggles, PJ & Sophie.

Rod can be remembered for having the best sense of humor and a laugh that was contagious especially when reminiscing about his childhood, sharing travel stories or looking at life during times that needed levity. He was creative and inventive and never lost that childlike curiosity.

Rod's hobbies included: Sports! Rod loved everything Badgers, Brewers, Packers & Bucks and would not only cheer them on in animated fashion but could share statistics & trivia that would make your head spin. Rod loved watching movies. His ability to retain every word in the entire movie was awe inspiring. His huge love of the Olympics shined through as recently as the first week of the Paris Olympics when he shared his excitement of watching them on TV and the accomplishments of the US athletes medal totals.

Rod is survived by his son Andrew Koenen (Jamee Prida) of Kenosha; sisters: Liz Koenen Vioski (George Fennell) of Waterford, WI, and Wendy (Michael Younglove) of Beecher, WI. He is further survived by his nieces and nephews including: Michael (Angie) Vioski of Burlington, WI; Katie (Jeffrey) Knoerzer of Waterford, WI; Samantha Younglove (Matthew Schaeffer) of Dayton, OH; Benjamin Younglove of Milwaukee, WI.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents: Patricia Elaine Doonan & Roger George Koenen.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Fr. Charlie Conley and longtime friends of Rod who throughout his lifetime shared in his laughter and treasured memories. Rod's belief in Jesus Christ is strong and unwavering and there is no doubt he can now rest in His Arms for Eternity.

He will be cremated per his wishes with Miller-Reesman Funeral Home and there will be a private service at a later date.

In honor of Rod, may you find those clever "Godwinks" he will send your way. It will be when you least expect it, and it will be something meaningful that only you & him would understand. May it be a quote from a movie, a song that reminds you of him, or a Bucky Badger sighting to name just a few.

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom"~~ Marcel Proust