Koehn, Heinrich H. (1866-1945)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1945 Nov 20 p. 14

Birth date: 1866 Aug 23

text of obituary:

Heinrich H. Koehn, Sohn von Heinrich und Lena Siebert Koehn, ward geboren am 23. Aug. 1866 in Karolswalde, Südrußland. 1874 wanderte er mit eltern aus nach Marion, S. Dakota, wo er zum Mannesalter aufwuchs und seinen Heiland fand und von Aelt. F. Schartner getauft wurde und sich der Mennonitengemeinde anschloß. 1886 fand er in Susanna Dirks eine Lebensgefährtin für fast 60 Jahre. 4 Kinder wurden ihnen geschenkt: Helena Lillian, die 1917 starb, und Jakob, Friedrich und Mabel. Er nahm regen Anteil in politischen Angelegenheiten, diente als Staats Representant für mehrere Termine, war County Deputy Auditor und Assessor, und in Avon war er 13 Jahre im Bankgeschäft. Er diente an der Schul-board und dem Stadt Council verschiedene Male. War besonders brauchbar seitens der Mitmenschen. Spater fühlte er den innern Drang sich dem Herrn völliger zu weihen. Durch Gebet und Lesen der Bibel ward sein Glaube gestärkt und er bekam die Gewißheit der Sündenvergbung, worauf er sein Leben völliger dem Herrn weihte. Er fehlte fast nie im Gotteshaus, hatte besondere Freude an der Sonntagsschule, was ein Ansporn war für alle in der Klasse und der Kirche, wo seine Abwesenheit sehr vermißt wird. Doch möchten wir mit dem Psalmisten sagen: “Gesegnet sind die Toten, die im Herrn entschlafen.” Am 12. Okt. als er an seinem Car etwas schaffte, ward er vom Schlag getroffen, der Arzt und liebende Hände konnten nicht helfen, da sein Erlöser ihn heim rief am 21. Okt. 1945 im Alter von 79 J. 1 M. und 28 Tagen. Er hinterläßt seine Gattin, die 3 genannten Kinder, 8 Enkel, 4 Urenkel, alle zu Avon, S. D.; und eine Schwester Frau Helena Unruh, Mountain Lake, Minn. Die Begräbnisfeier war 24. Okt. in unserer Kirche, und er wurde auf dem Gottesacker nahe der Kirche begraben.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1945 Nov 15 p. 3

text of obituary:

HENRY H. KOEHN

Henry H. Koehn, son of Henry Koehn and Lena Siebert Koehn, was born August 12, 1866, in the village of Karolswalde, near ostrog, in the province of Volynia, South Russia.

At the age of eight years, he, with his parents, came to America in the hope of making a better home and finding religious freedom. They made their home in the Marion, S. Dak. community, where Mr. Koehn grew to young manhood. Here he also found Christ to be his Savior and was baptized and taken into the Mennonite church by Rev. Friedrich Schartner.

In 18886 he found in Susanna F. Dirks a life companion. Together they shared their joys as well as sorrows for nearly 60 tears. Four children were born to this union. Helena Lillian, who preceded him in death in 1917, Jacob, Fredrich and Mabel.

Until his death he took an active part in all political, civic and social affairs of his community. He served as state representative for several terms, was county deputy auditor and deputy assessor. He worked in the Bank of Avon for 13 years, served on the school board and city council at various time sand acted as city assessor. Thus his life was one of considerable activity.

In later years he felt the need of yielding his life more fully to the Lord. through much reading of god's Word, prayer and sincere efforts his faith was strengthen and he could believe that his sins were forgiven and that he was a child of God. This change in his life enabled him to devote more time to Christian activities. He never failed, when health and weather permitted, to take his place in church. He especially enjoyed Sunday School and was an exemplary figure to all about him. His class as well as the church will miss his counsel. We may well say with the Psalmist, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

On Friday morning, October 12, while doing some work on his car, he fell as he suffered a stroke. All medical aid and loving care were of no avail and he passed away on Sunday, October 21, 1945. He reached the advanced age of 79 years, 1 month and 28 days. He leaves to mourn his departure his bereaved wife, Mrs. Susanna Koehn, three children, Jacob, Fredrich and Mable, Mrs. Agner Bach, all of Avon. Eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Helena Unruh of Mountain Lake, Minn.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, October 24, at the Mennonite church, with burial in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were six nephews of the deceased, namely: Ben Koehn of Galva, Kansas; Fred Buller, Fred Koehn and Tobias Kehn, of Marion, S. Dak.; Henry Kehn and Isaac Schartner of Dolton, S. Dak. A large number of friends and relatives from Galva, Kansas, Dolton and Marion, S. Dak., and Mountain Lake, Minn., together with local friends paid their last tribute by attending the funeral.