Koehn, Gustav D. (1876-1940)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1940 Feb 6 p. 15

Birth date: 1876 Jul 15

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1940 Feb 7 p. 2

text of obituary:

Gustav D. Koehn

Gustav D. Koehn, son of David and Paulina Ulm Koehn, was born in Poland-Russia, on July 15, 1876.

With his mother he came to America in 1891, where they settled down in Marion County, Kansas. from there they moved to Garden township, 6 miles south of Moundridge, Kans. Here he was taken into the church upon his confession of faith and Lutheran confirmation. Here he also found his helpmate for life, Elizabeth Unruh, and they were married December 7, 1897. They were permitted to go through life for a term of 42 years, 1 month and 14 days.

In 1898 they moved to Oklahoma and settled at their present home 6 miles north of Meno, Okla.

May 30, 1903, he was baptized by Elder Johann Ratzlaff and joined the New Hoepdale church, of which he was a faithful member to his end. He has served the church in various capacities, such as s S. Teacher and member of different committees or whatever he was called upon to do.

To this union 5 sons and 3 daughters were born. Three of the sons died in infancy.

About 6 years ago diabetes began to trouble him, but not enough to keep him from doing his work on the farm. But in October, 1937, he had a stroke of paralysis from which he never fully recovered. Only temporarily did he get relief from his sickness. On January 10 he became seriously ill and succumbed on Jan. 21, 1940. In all his trials and sickness he remained faithful to the Lord and died, as we all hope, safely in the arms of Jesus. He died at the age of 63 years, 6 months and 6 days.

He leaves to mourn his loss: His beloved wife, his aged mother, 2 sons, Julius and Paul, Meno, Okla.; three daughters, Martha (Mrs. Albert Jantzen), Covington, Okla.; Hulda (Mrs. Albert Smith), Wilma (Mrs. Leonard Unruh), Meno, Okla.; ten grand children, one brother, Rev. Ferd Koehn of Perryton, Texas; one step sister, 3 step brothers and many close relatives and friends.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."

Rev. J. W. Bergen served at the home with Psalm 34, 7 and 17 in English and Ps. 34, 8 and 18 in German.

In church the opening song "Safe in the Arms of Jesus", was sung in German. English sermon: Isaiah 32, 1 and 2 by Rev. J. H. Epp. Special song by a quartet, German sermon, 2 Tim. 4, 7 and 8 by Rev. H. U. Schmidt and closing song by quartet.