William Reinhold Koenig, better known as Bill, Wild Bill, or Treeman has passed away. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, arborist, scout leader, and great friend to many. His engaging personality made him a joy to be around, and he had many stories and so much knowledge to share. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Bill attended high school in Austin at St. Edward’s Catholic High School for a year before it closed, and then attended Reagan High School, where he participated in gymnastics. He graduated from Reagan High School in 1970.

After high school, Bill was accepted to the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied Electrical Engineering and later, RTF. He was a member of the Naval ROTC and competed in gymnastics while he was attending UT.

Bill had a deep appreciation of nature, and worked as an arborist for many decades in and around Austin, sharing his love for trees with others. He was a very knowledgeable, and a much loved member of the arborist community in and around Austin. He planted many trees in the Austin area and took care of countless more as an arborist, including the famous Treaty Oak. He was a proud member of the International Society of Arboriculture for decades and served as a judge for the ISA Texas Tree Climbing Championships.

Bill moved just outside Austin and resided in the New Sweden community for many years, where he was a member of the New Sweden Lutheran Church.

He was involved with scouting in Elgin at Sacred Heart Lutheran Church with troop 182. He became an assistant scoutmaster of troop 182 and volunteered countless hours at Lost Pines Scout Reservation.

Bill was married twice, first to Dianne and then Margaret. He was married for many years to Margaret and they had children, Ariel, Lars, and May. Bill and Margaret divorced but remained friends.

Bill is survived by his two children with Margaret, May Koenig and Dr. Lars Koenig, as well as daughter-in-law Kerri, and grandchildren Lily, Calleigh, and Theo. He is also survived by siblings, Don and wife Darleen, Kathi, Tim, and Nancy. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Larry, and infant son Ariel.

There will be a memorial gathering for family and friends at Lost Pines Scout Reservation on September 14th at 2pm in the dining hall. Any who knew him are welcome to join us to celebrate his life and legacy.

In lieu of sending flowers, please plant a tree in his memory. 

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