Diana C. Koenig

Diana C. Koenig

Age 88, of Cadillac, formerly a longtime resident of Northville, passed away on August 6, 2022. She was born on November 12, 1933 in Berea, Ohio; daughter of Frank and Evelyn (Dagg) Hayes.  She graduated from Dearborn High School; Class of 1951.  Following graduation, she continued her education at Wayne State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.  Diana was united in marriage to Milton Koenig on August 18, 1956; they spent 50 years devoted to one another until his death on April 7, 2007.

Diana is believed to be the first female mechanical engineer hired by Ford Motor Company.  She worked in the body safety division for 15 years before retiring in 1990.  She was a substitute teacher with Northville Public Schools, teaching in her favorite subject, mathematics.  She was a member of the Northville Historical Society who, together with her husband, donated many hours towards the development of the society's Mill Race Village.  Diana was also a member of Northville Mother’s Club, Questers, Northville Woman’s Club, and the Society of Women Engineers.

Diana enjoyed gardening and grew beautiful flowers in her yard.  A world traveler, she visited many exotic locations such as England, Thailand, Japan, Malta, Portugal, and Spain.  When her children were younger, they spent time exploring the United States, camping throughout most of the western states.  Diana liked to stay active and for many years she walked at Twelve Oaks Mall with a group of friends referred to as “Our Gang.”  She spent a lot of time antiquing, among the antiques she owned was an impressive collection of primitive kitchen tools including many apple peelers.  Diana and Milton were avid collectors of blown glass Christmas ornaments, displaying them on several trees throughout their house during the holiday season. Her greatest joy was spending time with family, especially her children and grandchildren.  Diana was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend; she will be missed by all who knew her.

Diana is survived by her loving children, Matthew (Rachel) Koenig, Christopher (Tammy) Koenig, and Lesley (John) LaFave; her sister Kathleen Dagg Hayes; her grandchildren, Heather (Justin) Reid, Logan LaFave, Maguire LaFave, Kaelyn Koenig, Tyler (Danielle) Smith, and Shawnee Smith; and her great grandchildren, Isaac Reid and Owen Reid.   She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother Edward Hayes.

The Visitation will be held Friday, August 12, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until Noon with a Funeral Service at Noon at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) or Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation .