Wilton Chandler Koernig

Obituary for Wilton Chandler Koernig

On October 26, 2025, Wilton Chandler Koernig passed away peacefully with his family by his side in Bend, Oregon. He was 58 years old.

Wilton was born on September 6, 1967, in Littleton, Colorado. He attended Heritage High School and went on to study theater at the University of Utah. Throughout his life, the stage and the joy of entertaining others called to him. As the Grateful Dead once sang, “Sometimes we live no particular way but our own.” Wilton was a unique spark of light who brightened the lives of all who knew and loved him in his own style.

Wilton is survived by his brother, Kevin, wife Kristi, and beloved daughter Mia. He was preceded in death by his father Raymond, mother Helen, and sister Katherine.
“Oodles of light, what a beautiful sight,
Both of God’s eyes are shining tonight,
Rays and beams of incredible dreams.” — John Prine
Growing up in Littleton as the youngest of three, Wilton developed his gift for humor early on. With quick wit and a love for storytelling, he earned a cherished place in the family that could never be ignored. He carried that same playful spirit throughout his life — always ready with a smile, a laugh, and a silly story.

Wilton had a deep love for music — especially John Prine, Lucinda Williams, Nanci Griffith, and the Grateful Dead. His career as a rock-and-roll lighting designer gave him the chance to work with countless artists, from Ringo Starr to Bonnie Raitt, and even a brief tour with Def Leppard. But beyond the stage lights, Wilton’s true passion was for art in all its forms. He took immense pride in Mia’s artwork and loved collaborating with Kristi to create and display beautiful pieces throughout their home.

“When my life is over, and my time has run out,
My friends and my loved ones, I’ll leave there’s no doubt.
But there’s one thing for certain when it comes my time,
I’ll leave this old world with a satisfied mind.” — Lucinda Williams
Above all, Wilton was a family man. His love for Kristi and Mia knew no bounds. He delighted in supporting Mia’s athletic pursuits, proudly cheering her on at college track meets in his hand-sewn “Track Dad” shirt. He was the kind of husband and father whose love showed up in a thousand thoughtful ways — whether through a joke, a song, or a spontaneous errand just to make them smile.

Wilton was creative on so many levels, many of us did not know what a wonderful writer he was. Wilton wrote this poem a few weeks before he passed:

Onyx

With stripes borne of chalcedony cream
And black translucent ripples
The stone lay bare on the river’s shore
Washed smooth by the rocks and water tumbling past
The river has come and gone and come back again
Bringing lakes and streams and now a deep canyon
Onyx has been patient these years, collecting the stars at night
And gathering up sunlight during the day
Will the stone be admired or contemplated in its time
Or will it just being have been enough

“So honey open up the window and let in October,
You may never love quite the same.
And it’s yesterday’s mornings, Lord, they’ll always remain.” — Nanci Griffith
Wilton will be remembered for his laughter, his stories, his creativity, and the joy he brought to every moment. A quirky joke, a big smile, a song, and a dance — these were the hallmarks of his spirit. Though we will miss him dearly, his light will continue to shine in our hearts forever.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wilton Chandler Koernig, please visit our flower store.