Verlin Koenig

Verlin Koenig passed away at home in Billings, Montana on November 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family, near and far. He lived his life grounded in a sincere love for God, and walked in the path the Lord made for him, including his battle with cancer.

Verlin was born in eastern Montana to Edwin and Ida, and grew up on farms near Marsh and later in Sidney, developing a lifelong connection to ranching, agriculture, and rural community life. Though he faced loss early on (his mom and sister Jeanne), he developed a profound sense of family connection as Ed remarried Emma, gaining him a mom, two younger sisters and a brother. As the years went on, the family grew with five more brothers for him to be the elder to.

After graduating from high school, he served in the Army National Guard and worked at Holly Sugar while also farming with his dad for a few years. It was at that time that he met Diana. They were married within a year. Verlin pursued an education and earned degrees from Dawson Junior College and Montana State University, where he became a proud MSU Bobcat.

He began his career as a Vo-Ag/Shop teacher and FFA advisor in Chinook. Those eight years were full of family, community, and service. He was active in the Jaycees and developed a reputation as a committed educator. In 1980, he moved his family to Glasgow to become the Valley County Ag Agent, a role that would become his life’s calling. For nearly 30 years, Verlin poured his energy into organizing livestock judging contests, training many 4-H youth and leaders, providing agricultural programs, immersing himself in county fairs, and maintaining nearly three decades of dry land and irrigated test plots that helped shape farming decisions across the region. He was proud of those plots and the farmers who used the results to make better decisions for their operations.

Verlin's interests included hunting, woodworking, rodeos, auctioneering and even drag racing. He loved tinkering on classic muscle cars, a-Ooga! He had a fondness for tractors, windmills, and giving directions. He was the resident teller of dad jokes, puns, and one-liners. He grew roses, with his favorite being the fragrant “Mr. Lincoln.” When he wasn't sanding a deck or washing a vehicle, you might find him in contorted positions trying to snap your photo, or falling fast asleep at the start of a show. He had a sentimental streak and collected memories among many other items - carefully, intentionally, and with joy. After their retirements, Verlin and Diana relocated to Billings to be closer to family and grandchildren. He loved his family and was proud of them and found deep joy in their accomplishments and personalities.

Verlin is survived by his wife, Diana; son Camrin Koenig (Jennifer) and daughter Nancy Senitte. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kensley Koenig, Will Matlock, Caden Senitte (Renee), Ryan Senitte, and Dean Senitte. He is survived by his remaining brothers and their families: Arley, Francis, Kim, and Orrin Koenig. He was predeceased by his parents and in-laws, his older sister Jeanne and two younger sisters Judy and Betty and a younger brother Richard.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at Mission Ridge Chapel on the St. John’s campus with a luncheon afterwards. Interment will follow at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch or the charity of your choice.