Koehn, John (1903-1972)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1972 Jun 16 p.31

Birth date: 1903 Apr 02

text of obituary:

JOHN KOEHN

John Koehn was born April 2, 1903, in Alexanderfeld, Sagradovka, in southern Russia; his parents were David and Helena (nee Fast) Koehn. He became a Christian in 1919 and was baptized by Rev. Jacob Janzen, joining the Mennonite Brethren church in Orloff in 1924. His marriage to Maria Janzen August 7, 1925, was also performed by Rev. Janzen. In 1926 the Koehns emigrated to Canada, working on various farms in southern Manitoba for the first two years, until moving into Winnipeg and taking up carpentry. Here they joined the North Kildonan M B church and enjoyed many times of blessing; Mr. Koehn was ordained to the deaconal ministry here in 1942.

In May of 1946 the family moved to Yarrow, B.C., where they bought a berry farm; in addition, Mr. Koehn continued in his free time with his first love, carpentry. In 1969 he retired, and moved to Clearbrook. His deaconal ministry was continued in both the Yarrow and Clearbrook churches; he continued to display a deep concern for, and interest in, the spiritual welfare of his fellow believeres. His three oldest sons have also committed themselves to the deaconal ministry.

On April 7, 1972, he had a severe stroke which left him speechless and rendered his right side paralyzed. He died on April 18 at the age of 69 years. Leaving to mourn his wife Mary, six sons and three daughters (David and Betty Koehn, Yarrow; John and Kay Koehn, Vancouver; Aron and Frieda Koehn, Vancouver; Peter and Mary Kaethler Vancouver; Helen and Vern Razlaff, Winnipeg; Jake and Agnes Schmidt, Winnipeg; Albert and Ruth Koehn Richmond; Waldemar and Doreen, Richmond; Herb, (Vancouver), 19 grandchildren, two brothers (David Koehn, Vancouver; Peter Koehn, Yarrow), and many relatives and friends.