Irene "Renee" Koenig, age 92, of Shawano passed away on Thursday, April 12, 2018 in Green Bay. Irene was born in Ukraine on September 8, 1925, the daughter of the late Nikolai and Maria (Ilkovia) Sapenko.  While fleeing from Germany during World War II, she met her future husband, Harold "Hal" Koenig while he was stationed in Germany.  The couple was married on March 1, 1947 at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano.  Hal preceded her in death on October 16, 2013.  Irene loved being in America and taught herself English.  She and Hal were the owners and operators of the Ben Franklin Store in Green Bay, Renee's Hallmark in Green Bay and Hal's Hallmark in Shawano.  Irene is a member of St. James Lutheran Church.

Irene is survived by: her son, Bruce Koenig of Green Bay; granddaughter, Nikki Koenig; great granddaughter, Anastasia; Nikki's mother, Royola; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hal and her parents.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 until 11:00 am on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano with funeral service to follow. Rev. Mark Baldwin will officiate.

Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.