Koehn, Rachel (1888-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Apr 6 p. 3

Birth date: 1888 Oct 23

text of obituary:

MRS. JOHN A. KOEHN AND HUSBAND PIONEERED IN MEXICAN MISSION WORK

Montezuma, Kan. — Funeral services for Mrs. Rachel Koehn, 73, wife of the well-known Minister John A. Koehn, were conducted at the Mennonite church north of here Friday afternoon, March 31. She died March 28 at Trinity Hospital in Dodge city after a brief illlness [sic].

Mrs. Koehn and her husband were pioneer missionaries in Mexico under the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. The extensive missionary and service work now carried on in Chihuahua state is an outgrowth of their labors.

A native of Marion County, Kan., she moved with her parents to Fairview, Okla. at the age of eight. There she was married to John A. Koehn in 1905. Montezuma has been their home since 1914, although they were absent for long periods in missionary and other church work. In recent years Min. Koehn has been serving as chaplain at the Bethel Home here.

Surviving in addition to her husband are five sons, two daughters, three brothers, four sisters and a number of grandchildren. Three of the sons are ministers. They are Reuben Koehn of Lahoma, Okla., editor of “The Messenger of Truth,” Daniel J. and David J. Koehn of Montezuma.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Apr 20 p. 8

text of obituary:

MRS. JOHN A. KOEHN

Mrs. John A. Koehn was born Oct. 23, 1887 in Marion county, Kan. and passed away March 28, 1961 in Trinity Hospital, Dodge City, reaching the age of 73 years, five months , and five days. Death was caused by heart and diabetic complications.

On May 30, 1905, she was married to John A. Koehn, her now sorrowing husband with whom she shared both joys and sorrows for nearly 56 years. To this union were born six sons and four daughters.

In the spring of 1907, she with her husband yielded her life to Christ unto salvation and upon confession of faith was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, remaining faithful to the end.

In October of 1914 the family came to Gray County, Kan., where they established a lifetime residence.

In May of 1916 she and her husband were chosen to the office of minister of the Gospel. Her willingness to aid and support this ministry called for many sacrifices at home, as well as spending considerable time away from home, especially the many years in the Mexico mission and the number of years in California.

Because of failing health she was forced to retire from active life about two years ago, entering Bethel Home five months ago. On March 23 she suffered a severe heart attack and was taken to the hospital where all treatments given were of no avail, and on March 28 at 5 p.m. she peacefully passed away.

She leaves to mourn her departure her sorrowing husband; five sons, Harry and wife Lorena of Livingston, Calif., Reuben and wife Alice of Goltry, Okla., David and wife Clara and Daniel and wife Frances of Montezuma, and Ernest and wife Gladys of Enid, Okla.; two daughters, Martha and husband Jonas Ratzlaff and Susanna and husband Melvin Schmidt of Livingston, Calif.; 25 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three brothers, C. H. Koehn of Montezuma, Isaac Koehn and Sam Koehn of Livingston, Calif.; four sisters, Mrs. Agnes Koehn of Inman, Mrs Eva Koehn of Montezuma, Mrs. Ida Koehn of Moundridge and Mrs. J. T. Koehn of Ulysses, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Three children, one grandchild, four brothers and three sisters preceded her in death. — The Family.