Koehn, Nettie Unruh (1898-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Dec 12 p. 8

Birth date: 1898 Sep 26

text of obituary:

MRS. NETTIE UNRUH KOEHN

Mrs. Nettie Unruh Koehn, daughter of Tobias and Anna Unruh, was born in McPherson County, Kansas on Sept. 26, 1898. She grew to womanhood and received her education near Galva, Kansas.

On March 29, 1914, she received Christ as her personal Saviour and upon the confession of her faith she was baptized, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite and remaining a faithful member to the end.

On Oct. 29, 1916, she was joined in marriage to Jacob T. Koehn, with whom she shared life's joys and sorrows for 36 years. They lived the entire time at Halstead. To this union were born nine children. On Feb. 20, 1952, her dear companion was called away by death, leaving her very lonely.

On May 10, 1953, she was joined in marriage to Simon C. Koehn with whom she shared joys and sorrows untilthe Lord called her away on Nov. 29, 1957, reaching the age of 59 years, two months and three days. They lived in Moundridge four years and the lat seven months at Halstead.

She enjoyed good health until about two years ago, when her health began to fail. Medical aid and loving care were giving her but all brought only temporary relief. Her death was caused by cancer of the lungs.

She suffered much during her illness but she was patient through it all. She had great faith in prayer and often during her illness sought the face of the Lord in prayer.

She leaves to mourn her departure her sorrowing companion; nine children, Lucas and wife Mildred, Noah and wife Lorene, Menno and wife Edna, Allen and wife Osie, Otis and wife Norma, all of Halstead, Ada and husband LaVern Nightengale of Chickasha, Okla., Eileen and husband Lloyd Dyck of Hesston, Kansas, Harley and wife Alice and Vera and husband Merle Schimdt [sic Schmidt], also of Halstead; and 19 grandchildren.

Also surviving are 14 step-children and thirteen in-laws, Lorena, Mrs. Oliver Holdeman of Stapleton, Georgia, Arthur of Fairview, Okla., Erma, Mrs. Jake Schellenberg, Levi, Alfred and Ervy of Almena, Wis., Ivan of Scott City, Kansas, Edna, Mrs. Pete Loewen of Myrtle Creek, Oregon, Velma, Mrs. Archie Holdeman, Inex, Mrs. Menno Nichols and Lincoln of Moundridge, Kansas, Marcella, Mrs. John Unruh of Verden, Okla., Vernon of Galva, Kansas and Rosella of the home; 63 step-grandchildren; three sisters and one brother, Ida, Mrs. Benjamin H. A. Koehn of Galva, Sarah, Mrs. Pete Wedel, and Ella, Mrs. John Ratzlaff, both of Moundridge, and Levi Unruh of Halstead; and a host of relatives and friends. Her first husband, two grandchildren, her parents, five sisters and one brother preceded her in death.

Memorial services were held in the Grace Mennonite Church west of Halstead on Monday afternoon, Dec. 2, 1957, at 1:30 o'clock. Rev. Carl Dirks and Rev. Arnold Wiggers were the officiating ministers. A short service was conducted in the home before the church service. The church choir sang a group of favorite hymns of comfort. She was laid to rest in the family lot in the Halstead Cemetery.