Helenmarie W. Koenig, 91, of Jackson passed away Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

She was born March 29, 1930, near Friedheim to Oscar and Mary Kester Tuschhoff. She and Elmer C. Koenig were married Sept. 5, 1954, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Friedheim, also the church of her baptism and confirmation. She and Elmer had been married nearly 49 years, when Elmer passed away July 22, 2003.

Helenmarie attended grade school in Arnsberg and Trinity Lutheran School in Friedheim. She was a 1948 graduate of Perryville (Missouri) High School. The summer after her high school graduation, she attended Southeast Missouri State College and then embarked on her extensive, 54-year teaching career. One-room schools where she taught included Hilderbrand School from 1948-1950, 1951-1956 at Arnsberg and 1957-1958 at Trinity Lutheran School in Shawneetown. In 1959, she began her 43-year tenure at St. Paul Lutheran School in Jackson, teaching mostly third grade. Helenmarie thoroughly enjoyed working with all the children she taught. She received her bachelor degree from Southeast by attending summer school and night classes.

Helenmarie had been a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church since 1958. She was active in Tuesday Morning Bible Class, the Altar Guild, Saxony Organization and was a greeter.

In retirement, she enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening. Prior to Elmer's passing, they always enjoyed traveling.

Loving survivors include two brothers, Harold (Kay) Tuschhoff of Jackson and Harlan (the late Marie) Tuschhoff of Sedgewickville, Missouri; nieces and nephews, Cheryl (Mark) Renne of Foristell, Missouri; Donna Tuschhoff of Eureka, Missouri; and Dan (Kathy) Tuschhoff of Jackson; great-nieces and great-nephews, Tyler (Tessa) Tuschhoff, Nicole Lizze, Emily Tuschhoff, Heather and Derek Palisch, Jessica Tuschhoff, Kyle (Ellen) Renee, Eric and Logan Renee; and great-great-nieces, Emily and Aubrie Palisch and Isla Renee.

Helenmarie was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a brother, Hilbert (Aileen) Tuschhoff; sister-in-law, Marie Tuschhoff; and a nephew, Timothy Tuschhoff.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Jason Shaw officiating. Burial will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church or School, or the donor's choice of church or charity.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab of Helenmarie's personal obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.