Koehn, John (1911-1999)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Mar 3 p. 29

Birth date: 1911 Sep 11

text of obituary:

JOHN KOEHN

John Koehn of Linden, Alta. passed away Jan. 14. He was born Sept. 11, 1911 to Peter and Elizabeth Koehn in Einlage, Russia. His father died in 1919 of typhus. In 1925 the family immigrated to Herbert, Sask. He worked for 2 years as a farmhand at Davidson, Sask. and cut timber for 2 winters in northern Ontario. In 1930 he and brother Peter began farming near Taber, Alta. In 1940 he married Tina Reimer. They established their home on Josh. 24:15. In 1974 they retired from farming and moved to Linden. Though he lacked a formal education, he was knowledgeable in many subjects. He was a hardworking farmer. His Sunshine Hill Ranch was always immaculate. He enjoyed riding horses, even after he needed a walker. He enjoyed fellowship and playing shuffleboard at the Seniors' Care and Share. He also tied MCC quilts for the women in the church. He enjoyed visits from family, providing snacks and playing games. He also enjoyed travelling to visit friends and family. He had a concern for his extended family, praying for a long list of people. He often prayed while tying knots in quilts. Despite many ailments, he always had a positive view. He had a passion for his flower garden, giving the flowers to others. He was always setting new goals to plant something and never seemed to tire of watching things grow. Predeceased by Tina, 3 brothers and 4 sisters, he is mourned by daughters Linda Heidebrecht of Linden, BettyAnne Adrian of Tofield, Alta., Mary Regehr of Elliot Lake, Ont., Evelyn Mciver of Calgary and Alice Dyck of Evansburg, Alta.; 18 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and 2 sisters. The funeral was Jan. 18 in Linden MB Church, with Ralph Klassen, Konrad Loewen and Dan Mciver ministering.