Former Koenig Equipment CEO Ray Koenig dies
Koenig joined family Deere dealership in 1974
Raymond Paul Koenig, former chief executive and president of the board at Botkins, Ohio-headquartered dealer Koenig Equipment, died on Dec. 14, 2024, at the age of 78.
Koenig served in the U.S. Air Force before returning in 1974 to lead Koenig Equipment, the family-owned John Deere dealership, according to a Jan. 20 company release. Under his leadership, the company grew to 15 locations in Ohio and Indiana.
Koenig was an influential figure in the agricultural industry, serving as president of The Ohio Equipment Dealers Association and earning induction into the Farm Equipment Hall of Fame in 2024, according to the release. He was also deeply committed to philanthropy, contributing to initiatives such as the Ohio Living Dorothy Love Home and research on frontotemporal dementia.
A celebration of his life will be held on Feb. 1 at the Shared Resource Center, according to the release.
Koenig Equipment was formed in 1904 when Ray Koenig’s grandfather, John C. Koenig, founded the Botkins Hardware Company, which eventually became the John Deere dealership, according to the company. Koenig operates 15 dealership locations and sells John Deere, Ferris, Stihl and Brent brands, among several others and offers financing.
