Norman A. Koenigseker, 1944-2014: Professor at UT used experience as engineer

Norman Koenigseker

Norman A. Koenigseker, who offered his University of Toledo engineering students real-world expertise gained while an Owens Corning engineer, died Jan. 7 in Ebeid Hospice, Sylvania. He was 69.

He had multiple myeloma, his son Aaron said.

He retired last year as an associate professor in the department of engineering technology at UT. His teaching expertise, according to the department Web site, was construction engineering, from estimating to project management and mechanics. His professional expertise was in plate glass and fiberglass manufacturing; plant maintenance, and construction.

For about two years, he was UT senior director of capital projects and campus planning.

“He was so proud of what he was able to accomplish,” his wife, Joanna, said.

His teaching was infused with his experiences in industry. “He was very serious about preparing [students] for the real world, not just doing word problems out of a book,” his son said.

He believed that preparation included being able to write clearly and to speak in public. “He was the biggest stickler on communications,” his wife said. “He wanted them to become good citizens.”

He became a confidant to students and was regularly invited to weddings.

“The students knew he respected them, and he expected it from them,” his wife said. “He said the higher standards he set, the more the students would step up when they understood what the rules were.”

He was named a University College fellow in 1997.

Mr. Koenigseker of Sylvania was an engineer and supervisor during more than 20 years at OC.

He was a dedicated volunteer, serving on the boards of the Sylvania Rotary Club and the Sylvania Chamber of Commerce.

He was a former board president of the Toledo Repertoire Theater. He was on the board of the Victory Center. He served on the city of Toledo’s fire prevention board of appeals, the Erie Street Market board, and on the Lucas County-Toledo board of building appeals.

“Norman was a numbers person, so he would gravitate to boards and do things no one else wanted to do: budgets,” his wife said. “That’s what he was trained to do, looking forward and developing plans.”

He helped his wife at charity events to benefit such groups as the Toledo Area Humane Society and Sparrow’s Nest.

“He was the nicest person I ever met,” his wife said. “We held hands for 44 years. He was the joy of my life.”

He was born Nov. 14, 1944, to Esther and Norman Koenigseker and grew up in the Reynolds Corners neighborhood.

He was a graduate of Rogers High School. He received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from UT in 1969 and a master’s in higher education administration from UT in 1998.

Surviving are his wife, Joanna, whom he married April 12, 1969; son, Aaron; brother, Jim, and three grandchildren.

Services are pending. Arrangements are by the Walker Funeral Home.

The family suggests tributes to the K-9 Defender Fund.