Koehn, Benjamin H. (1868-1944)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Aug 31 p. 3

Birth date: 1868

BENJAMIN H. KOEHN

Benjamin H. Koehn son of Henry and Helena Siebert Koehn, was born April 4, 1868, in the village of Karlswalde, Poland Russia. In the year of 1874 he with his parents immigrateed [sic] to America, arriving at newton, Kansas, the fore part of December, where where [sic] they resided until the following spring. They then moved to South Dakota, settling on the prairies about 40 miles north of Yankton near Marion. On the way his mother became ill, and soon passed away after arriving at their new location. Soon after this his father also became ill and died, leaving him an orphan at the age of seven years. He keenly felt the loss of his parents, which he often expressed, even in his old age. Our father had his home with his sister and brother-in-law, Fred Schartner, where he received his common school education. By his self-supporting ambition he began to earn his way by hard labor, and soon acquired a home of his own.

On October 22, 1891, he joined in marriage with maria Dirks, and they shared joys and sorrows for nearly 53 years. This union was blest with eight children, one son and seven daughters.

During his youth he often felt his need of the Saviour, and to which he also gave earnest consideration. But the way of peace with God was not so clear to him and this often became a heavy burden. But by much weeping and praying to God, the Lord in a marvelous way manifested the way to his Saviour, which took place soon after his marriage, when the late Bishop John Holdeman came to his community and preached the way of life. This became life and light in him, led us to the fold, and brought an unspeakable joy to his soul. So his faith was fully established in the Word and the Church. He was baptized upon the confession of his faith in the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, February 13, 1893, by the late Bishop John Holdeman, where he also remained a faithful member unto his end.

As the members were leaving South Dakota for different places, we also decided to move to Kansas, for the welfare of our family. In August, 1900, we moved on a farm near Galva, where we have since lived all these years.

He was chosen as deacon and ordained by Bishop Tobias Unruh, May 26, 1907. In this calling he served the church faithfully in various ways, according to his ability.

About a year ago his health began to fail. Realizing that his end might be near, he counted it a privilege that his illness should serve for his humility, and amid much pain and suffering he bore it patiently.

By the grace of God he set his house in order, leaving us the hope and blessed assurance of eternal rest, to which he longed to go.

During the last four hours of his severe suffering, he expressed his feelings with these words, "Meine zuflucht ist die leibe, die fuer mich ins elend kam." He then added, "if it were not for this I could not bear it."

He peacefully fell asleep in Jesus, Aug. 20, at 8:30 A. M. He reached the age of 76 years, 4 months and 16 days. He leaves to mourn his departure, his deeply bereaved companion, one son, six daughters, one son-in-law, one daughter-in-law, 3 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, one brother, Henry W. Koehn of Avon, South Dakota; one sister, Helena J. Unruh of Mountain Lake, Minn., and a host of relatives.

One infant daughter, Mary Ada, 2 grandchildren, 3 brothers and 4 sisters preceded him in death.

"I would not live alway; I ask not to stay.
Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way
The few cloudy mornings that dawn on us here,
Are followed by gloom or beclouded with fear.

"I would not live always; no — welcome the tomb —
Since Jesus hath lain there I'll enter its gloom;
There sweet be my rest, till he bid me arise,
To hail Him in triumph descending the skies.

"Where of all ages in harmony meet,
Their Saviour and brethren transported to greet;
While anthems of rapture unceasingly roll.
The smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul."

Mother and children

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, Aug. 24, 1944, at the home, where words of comfort were spoken by Bro. Jesse Johnson, from St. John 14:1-3, who also led in prayer. The requested song of the departed was sung, "Ich bin ein Gast auf Erden."

At the Lonetree church, near Galva, a large audience gathered to show last respects to the deceased.

Bro. John A. Becker opened the service and led in prayer. Bro. F. C. Fricke of Ithaca, Mich. a, and Bro. F. H. Wenger, spoke from St. John 14:1-3; 2 Tim. 4:6-8 and Philippians 1:21-23. Remarks were made also by Sam L. Fricke of Cimarron, Kans.

The body was alid at rest in the nearby cemetery, where words of consolation were spoken by F. C. Fricke from I Cor. 15:51-53.