Frank Konigseder Sr., the founder and president of Liberty Coach, has passed away at the age of 88. This marks the end of an era for the iconic motorcoach manufacturer, which was founded over half a century ago as a small backyard business. The company's commitment to building high-quality recreational vehicles will undoubtedly be remembered by industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. Konigseder Sr.'s passing is a significant loss, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and innovators in the motorcoach industry.
Born in 1937 in Lake County, Illinois, Frank Konigseder Sr. was raised by German immigrant parents who instilled in him a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. His early life was marked by hard work and dedication, as he began working at his family's business, F.K. Pattern & Foundry, from a young age. This experience would later shape his approach to building successful businesses and driving innovation.
Konigseder Sr.'s lifelong passion for travel, the outdoors, and anything with an engine played a significant role in shaping his career as a motorcoach entrepreneur. He was an accomplished sports fisherman who landed trophies across all five of the world's oceans, and he built an extensive tractor collection. His love for motorhomes and the challenge of building better ones drove him to create Liberty Coach.
In 1968, Konigseder Sr. and his wife, Jeanne, became avid campers and decided to build their own custom motorcoach after becoming dissatisfied with production models. They purchased a used Greyhound bus, converted it into a motorhome, and sold it to build another, and then another – the seeds of Liberty Coach were sown.
The company's defining moment came in 1978, when Konigseder Sr. struck a deal with Andre Normand of Canadian bus manufacturer Prevost Car to begin building coaches on Prevost shells. This move effectively launched the modern custom motorcoach conversion industry and established Liberty Coach as a leader in the field.
Under Konigseder Sr.'s leadership, Liberty Coach completed hundreds of coaches and built a reputation for producing the finest recreational vehicles in the world. His commitment to quality and innovation drove the company's success and cemented its place in the industry.
Konigseder Sr. remained active in company operations until his passing, continuing to run the original family foundry, F.K. Foundries, well into his later years. The company remains a wholly family-owned business, with sons Frank Konigseder Jr. and Kurt Konigseder heading the firm since 2000.
The impact of Frank Konigseder Sr.'s legacy will be felt for generations to come. His dedication to building high-quality motorcoaches and driving innovation in the industry has set a new standard for companies like Liberty Coach. As the company continues to evolve, it is clear that his vision and leadership will remain an integral part of its success.
Liberty Coach's continued commitment to excellence is a testament to Konigseder Sr.'s enduring legacy. The company's rich history and reputation for quality will undoubtedly inspire future entrepreneurs and innovators in the motorcoach industry. As the industry continues to evolve, it is clear that Frank Konigseder Sr.'s impact will be felt for years to come.
Frank Konigseder Sr.'s legacy as a motorcoach innovator will be deeply felt by the industry, with his family's company continuing to build on his foundation.
