Funeral services were held for Jennie Koennicke on Friday, February 17, 2006 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills, Minnesota with Pastor Jon T. Haakana officiating. The hymns were sung by the congregation, accompanied by Janet Tumberg. The pallbearers were Dean Perala, Randy Perala, Neil Perala, Sonny Karvonen, Don Vandermay and Dennis Barry. Jennie was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery, New York Mills, Minnesota.
Jennie Aino (Jaakola) Koennicke was born on October 15, 1915 at home in Butler Township, rural New York Mills, Minnesota. Her parents were the late John and Anna (Petersen) Jaakola. She attended country school in Butler Township. Jennie was baptized and confirmed in St. Peters Lutheran Church in New York Mills, Minnesota. For a time she worked in Matalas Café in New York Mills, Minnesota. She also worked for many years at Marvys Cosmetic Company in St. Paul, Minnesota. On April 10, 1943 Jennie was united in marriage to George Koennicke at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Perham, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Gary and Ann. The Koennicke family made their home on the family farm in Homestead Township, rural New York Mills, Minnesota. Jennie and George retired from farming in 1989. Jennie was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and a member of the LWML. She was also a member of the Pine Lake Homemakers Club. Jennie also enjoyed gardening, visiting and having coffee with family and friends, canning and she was an outstanding cook. On February 14, 2006 Jennie passed away peacefully at home. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Preceding Jennie in death were her parents; 5 sisters: Sarah, Hulda, Lempi, Sadie and Impi; 3 brothers: Erik, Oscar and Nestor.
Jennie is survived by her husband of 63 years, George Koennicke of New York Mills; a son, Gary Koennicke of Knoxville, Tennessee; a daughter, Ann (Warren) Smith of Alexandria; three grandchildren: Scott (Jennifer) Koennicke of New York Mills; Andrew Smith of Alexandria and Sarah Smith of Alexandria; two great-grandchildren: Cole Koennicke and Hannah Koennicke of New York Mills; a sister, Linda Lucking of Knoxville, Tennessee; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
Arrangements were provided by Karvonen & Son Funeral Home in New York Mills, Minnesota.
