Koehn, Helena Jantz Schmidt (1860-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 May 15 p. 3

Birth date: 1860 Apr 8

text of obituary:

MRS. HELENA KOEHN

Helena Koehn (nee Jantz), daughter of Benjamin and Anna Jantz, was born April 8, 1860, at Polland [sic Poland], Russia, and quietly departed this life March 19, 1947, at 5:00 p.m. at the home of her daughter, Lydia, Chickasha, Oklahoma. She reached the age of 86 years, 11 months, and 11 days.

She, with her parents, emigrated to America in the year 1874, settling in Pennsylvania for five years. The family then moved to McPherson county, Kansas.

In the spring of 1880 she was united in marriage with Benjamin H. Schmidt. To this union 13 children were born, seven daughters and six sons. Father departed this life May 10, 1902, at Indian Territory, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. They shard life's joys and sorrows for 22 years.

In March, 1908, she was united in marriage with Henry Koehn, who passed away August 19, 1913, leaving her a widow until death.

Upon the confession of her faith and forgiveness of sins, she was baptized February 22, 1921, becoming a member in the church of God in Christ, Mennonite, and remained true and faithful until death.

Those left to mourn her departure are one brother, Adam Jantz, Burns, Kansas; one sister, Lizzie Sebrant, Moundridge, Kansas; seven daughters, Fanny Koehn of Cement, Okla., Minnie Koehn of Enid, Okla., Julia Koehn of Burns, Kansas, Anna Koehn of Cement, Okla., Ella Nightingale of Hutchinson, Kansas, Amanda Koehn of Galva, Kansas, and Lydia Koehn, Chickasha, Okla.; two sons, Daniel Schmidt of Norman, Okla., and Jim Schmidt of Perryton, Texas; 41 grandchildren, 77 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a host of relatives and friends. Four sons, 10 step-children, 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren preceded her in death.

Mother's life was not a life of ease yet she withstood the storms of life, continuing to be quite active until death. We mourn not as those who have no hope, as she testified of her faith in her Savior. She left the comforting word, "When I depart I'm gong home."

Funeral services took place February 23 in the Plainview church, with opening remarks and prayer by min. Ed Unruh. A. T. Koehn spoke from Re.v 14:13, Job 3:17 and II Sam. 12:16-23. Remarks and prayer at the grave by Min. Eben Nightingale.