Bernard Joseph Koenke
Bernard (Bernie) Koenke passed away on Monday, June 26th at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach, Fl. Bernie was born on May 21st 1932 in Merrick, N.Y. to the late Bernard Koenke Sr. and Helen Travis. He moved with his parents to Lakeland, Fl. as a young boy and attended Lakeland Kathleen High School. After graduation, Bernie returned to New York and was called to serve in the U.S. Army at the age of 18. He took his military training at the Hawaiian Infantry Training Center to serve as a combat infantry soldier in the Korean Conflict of the 1950's. Bernie was awarded several medals while serving in Korea and was honorably discharged as a sergeant in the late 50's. Following his service, he went on to pursue his passion for the trucking business and worked in all phases of the industry. In 1968, Bernie moved to Presque Isle, Maine and started North East Truck Brokers, Inc. Eventually he opened offices in Maine, Virginia, and Florida as owner and operator. Bernie met the love of his life, Charlotte Hillman, in 1968 and married in 1970. Together they ran the business for the 36 years until retiring in 2005. Bernie was a thoughtful, kind, and generous man. He loved boating, clamming, and traveling the U.S. and Canada in his motorhome with both Charlotte and his little dog "Tuffy". Left behind to sadly mourn his passing is his loving wife of 47 years, Charlotte. Bernie is also survived by his brother Bruce Koenke and several nieces and nephews. A private graveside service and interment with Military Honors was held on Wednesday, July 5th at Daytona Memorial Park in Daytona Beach.