Koehn, Ben A. (1874-1945)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1945 Oct 18 p. 3

Birth date: 1874 Mar 2

text of obituary:

BEN A. KOEHN

Ben A. Koehn was born in Poland (Russia) on March 2, 1874. At about the age of one year he immigrated to America with his parents, arriving at Newton on New Year’s Day in 1875. They lived in various places in Kansas but spent the last years on their farm near Galva.

He received his education in the Inman community. At the age o nine years his mother was taken from his home, leaving him more or less alone to face life’s problems.

In 1900 father felt his lost condition and his great need of a Saviour. He called upon God, , confessed his sins and found remission and upon confession o his faith was baptized on May 27, 1901, by Tobias A. Unruh, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.

On December 25, 1901, he was united in marriage with Susie Becker. This union was blessed with five children, four daughters and one son.

Father was always in good health until about three and one-half years ago, when he began to fail, gradually getting weaker from time to time. Medical aid was sought, which also gave temporary relief. he was bedfast since last February and the last three weeks completely helpless. He bore his afflictions patiently.

During this time he made special preparations to leave this world in peace, however, he often expressed his concern for his family and would have liked to remained with them. Just before he breathed the last, he once more opened this eyes, viewed his family, gave them a farewell smile and passed on to the better world.

Father’s ailment was the dreaded disease of cancer. The last few days he suffered from pneumonia, which also caused his death on Sunday September 30, 1945, at 9:50 A. M. at the age of 71 years, six months and 28 days. He left with the full assurance of entering into the joy where there will be no pain or sorrow.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his sorrowing companion, five children, Lincoln of Galva, Alice (Mrs. Abe Unruh), of Halstead, Elvina, Martha, and Selma of the home; one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law, and two grandchildren; nine brothers and four sisters. One grandson preceded him in death about 14 months ago. One brother and one sister have also gone on before.