Wallace Wilbur Koenning Obituary

Wallace Wilbur Koenning, of Hempstead Texas, began his heavenly life on February 25, 2022, at the age of 82.

Wallace was born in Needville, Texas on June 23, 1939, to Les and Delta Koenning. Along with his two older brothers and younger sister, the family settled in Lake Jackson, Texas where Wallace was raised and graduated from Brazosport High School in 1957. After high school and attending Texas Tech and Texas Lutheran Universities, he served in the United States Marine Corps as a marksman and company clerk where he received awards, and a parade was held in honor of his excellent work.

In 1965 he met the love of his life, Gloria Allred, while working at Texas Commerce Bank. The two were married in the church where Wallace was confirmed, Christ Lutheran Church, in Lake Jackson on December 3, 1966. Wallace and Gloria lived in love for 56 years, and together they combined their love of the Lord and talents to raise a beautiful family. Wallace treasured his time with his family, especially gatherings at the family farm where he and his father could hone their “fix it” expertise. He adored all his grandchildren immensely, sharing often of their accomplishments, including his favorite (and only) granddaughter.

Wallace completed his bachelor’s degree as a member of the last graduating class of University of Corpus Christi, and then later received his master’s degree from Sul Ross University. Wallace worked for many years in the Information Technology industry, starting at Del Mar College. He continued his career at Southwest Texas Junior College, Houston Shell & Concrete, and as a Professor at the University of Houston. He finished his working career by providing various consulting services through businesses he began and owned including Information Override, and later Image Computer Corporation, that served clients across Texas.

Throughout his working and retirement years, he was a dedicated volunteer within his community. His love for politics began as Student Body President in high school, and he continued that love by developing the Faith, Family, and Freedom fundraising event for the Republican Party in Waller County. He served as Waller County Republican Chairman in 2016 and 2017 where he was characterized as being fair, impartial, and knowledgeable.

Wallace attended First United Methodist Church Hempstead regularly. You could find him there early on Sunday mornings opening up the building, preparing the coffee, ringing the bell to begin the start of services, and being the usher team leader. Wallace’s dedication to the Lord was ever present in all he did.

Wallace is survived by his wife, Gloria Allred Koenning, daughter Diana Ostendorf-Haag and husband Steve Haag; son Wallace Koenning, Jr. and wife Tammy; grandchildren Christopher Ostendorf, Blaire Colman and Tyler, Wallace Koenning III (Trace), Blake Koenning, Trent Haag and Adelyn Nova Haag; siblings Leslie Koenning and Martha, George Koenning and Frances, Dorothy Rayburn and Duane, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved parents Les and Delta Koenning, beloved mother-in-law Eleanora Allred, brother-in-law Kenneth Allred, and grandson Andrew Haag.

A visitation will be held in Hempstead, Texas at First United Methodist Church, 1010 7th Street, at 10:00 am on Friday, March 4th, with services to follow at 11:00 am. Interment will be on Wednesday, March 9th, at 2:00 pm at Houston National Cemetery at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive in Houston, Texas.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, and to lovingly celebrate Wallace’s commitment to various volunteer organizations, we share his favorite phrase, “Send money!” to the organization of your choice in his memory.