Lori Lea (Badger) Koenen, age 66

Lori Lea (Badger) Koenen, age 66, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Thursday, February 16, 2023 at the University Hospital, Columbia, Mo.

She was born on July 5, 1956 in Grinnell, Iowa, a daughter of Richard Lee “Dick” and Arlene Kay (Trotter) Badger. Lori was a 1974 graduate of Hampton High School in Hampton, Iowa. She later married Craig Koenen and to this union, her three daughters were born. 

Lori worked as a waitress at The Viking in Hampton in her younger years. She was later employed for many years as a Pharmacy Technician with Walmart Pharmacy in Newton, Ia. Upon moving to Missouri, Lori began working as an Administrative Assistant with St. Mary’s Wound Clinic and retired following many years of service.

Lori placed family above everything. She was an ever-present mother and the very best “Oma” to her grandbabies. Her favorite activity was playing games with them. Being outspoken and self-assured, she was the designated talker and keeper of memories in the family, quick to take charge introducing family members and recalling stories. She had a great sense of humor and encouraged those around her to let down their guard. She didn’t take life too seriously and loved to laugh even at her own expense. Her loyal nature made her a trustworthy sister and friend and creativity was displayed in her beautifully painted vases and glass bottles. Lori was very intelligent and was an avid reader. She enjoyed a good party, was a great hostess and was known to bring unity to any crowd. She was strong and courageous and taking on the world sporting leopard print and a friendly smile. Lori was opinionated but open minded and those she loved will forever remember her loving and funny personality.

Survivors include: her three daughters, Nikole Koenen of Overland Park, Ks., Andrea Stegeman (Allen) of Wardsville, Mo., and Bridget Koenen of Kellogg, Ia.; her mother, Arlene Badger; six siblings, Vicki Heeren (Dean), John Badger (Peggy), Jamie Badger (Barb), David Badger (Tori), Angie Pemberton(Richard), and Amy Gallaher (Jamie); five grandbabies, Alyssa, Conner, Sylvia, Shay, and Skylee Stegeman; 15 nieces and nephews; eight great nieces and great nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Richard “Dick” Badger; nephew, Kyle Badger; grandparents, Bob and Helen Badger and Jack and Sylvia Trotter; and great aunt and uncle, P.O. and Dorothy Stepp. 

Cards can be sent to Andrea Stegeman, 1407 Jerry Court, Jefferson City MO 65101.