More detail on this person: Thomas Koenig was
born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin on 07-07-1940 and
died 10-27-2004 in Redding California. Tom grew
up and attended schools in the Milwaukee,
Wisconsin area. Tom was awarded an Airframe and
Powerplant Mechanic Certificate from Northrop
Institute of Technology in January of 1964. This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
03/10/2024
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He served in the US Army in Vietnam as a
helicopter pilot from June of 1965 to June of
1966. He was later stationed at Fort Rucker,
Alabama, and worked as a helicopter instructor.
After his discharge from the Army in 1968 as Chief
Warrant Officer W-2, Tom worked as a helicopter
pilot for Omniflight Helicopters in Janesville,
Wisconsin.
In 1977 the family moved to Wenatchee,
Washington, and Tom began work for the US Forest
Service as a helicopter specialist. While in
Wenatchee, Tom was instrumental in the
development of the long line remote cargo hook for
helicopters.
Tom and his family moved to Redding, California in
1979. He was the North Zone Helicopter Program
Officer for the US Forest Service. As part of his
duties, Tom participated in numerous helicopter
accident investigations for the FAA. In 1985 he
was involved in the US Forest Service support of
the Mexico City Earthquake Disaster.
Tom was involved in the former 20/40 Club of
Redding. He was a member of the Vietnam
Helicopter Pilots Association and United States
Lighthouse Society. Tom maintained avid and
life-long interestsin the Civil War; real and
model trains as well as lighthouses.
Survivors include Wife Charlene of Redding,
California, Son Nick of Redding California,
Daughter Marcy Truax and Son-in-law Nick Truax
and granddaughter Felicia Harney of Cottonwood
California, Sister Karen Fromm of Mequon,
Wisconsin, Brother Arthur of New York City, and
numerous nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and
Marcella Koenig of Wauwatose, Wisconsin and
brother Jim of Calhoun, Georgia.
A luncheon for family and friends was held at Our
Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Redding, An
Honorary Helicopter Fly over was done at Toms
burial Thank you to the US Forest Service. And
Veteran's graveside services were help the same
day at St. Joseph's cemetery In Redding
California.
Contributions have been made towards the
upcoming Northern California Veterans Cemetery
Due to be dedicated in November 2005. This is
where he really wanted to spend eternity.
From: Marcy Truax