This summer, the Flint community mourned the loss of a beloved and dedicated member in RESPECTED businessman and philanthropist, Albert J. Koegel.
Born in Flint to German immigrants Anna and Albert, he attended St. Paul Lutheran School and high school at Culver Military Academy in Indiana. He returned to Flint to continue his education at Flint Junior College (Mott Community College), then explored the world serving for two years on a ship in the Merchant Marines, acting as its purser and pharmacist’s mate.
In 1950, Albert married his childhood neighbor Barbara (Gerholz). The couple’s early years were spent in Ann Arbor while he earned his MBA degree from the University of Michigan. Upon learning that his time in the Merchant Marines did not count toward his Selective Service requirement, he joined the U.S. Army and served in Korea as a first lieutenant during the Korean War.
Following his Army service, Albert began working at Koegel Meats, a business started in Flint by his father in 1916. In 1972, he built a new manufacturing plant next to Bishop Airport where he continued to work tirelessly for decades, even past his 90th birthday.
Always a lover of singing, he enthusiastically regaled friends, family and Koegel staff – much to their delight – with songs of every genre throughout his life. Devoutly faithful, Albert worshiped with song as a member of the choir at First Presbyterian Church of Flint for over 50 years.
Albert’s many civic involvements included serving as treasurer of the Flint Children’s Museum, the Flint Institute of Music, the Board of Trustees of Mott Community College, Flint Community Players and First Presbyterian Church of Flint. He was also a member of the Finance Committee for Mott Children’s Health Center, the Flint Rotary Club and the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Apart from his professional life, Albert donated blood every eight weeks for many years, and was proud to have given a total of 198 pints. At age 81, he walked ten miles in The Crim. It was his dream to participate again at age 90, a goal he achieved in 2016 – singing all the while.
Last year, Albert and Barbara celebrated 71 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on September 1. They are survived by four children: Anne, Kathryn, Jane and John, and five grandchildren: Andrea Rocco; Katlyn, Chloe, Carson and Cameron Koegel.
God, family, business, community, fun. Words, in that order, which Albert J. Koegel strove to live by. Prepared to sing for eternity in the Angel Choir, he passed away peacefully at home with family members present.
