Koehn, Lizzie Schmidt (1873-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 Jan 4 p. 6

Birth date: 1873 Jul 24

text of obituary:

MRS. LIZZIE KOEHN

Lizzie (Schmidt) Koehn, was born in Poland, Russia, on July 24, 1873, and passed away in the Goessel hospital Nov. 7, 1950, at 4:40 a.m., reaching the age of 77 years, three months, and 14 days. Her death was caused by cancer and heart complications.

In 1874, she with her parents, David Schmidts, immigrated to America, making their home near Galva, Kansas, where she grew to womanhood, and also resided all her life.

On May 28, 1898, she was married to Jacob C. Koehn, and they lived together in joys and sorrows for 35 years. Father passed away on Oct. 4, 1934, leaving mother and one daughter as the only members of the surviving family.

She was converted and added to the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite through baptism in May of 1899. Her sincere Christian life was quiet and peaceful, though fears and doubts sometimes caused her intense struggles. She often expressed her failures and shortcomings, not only to men but also to God as well, praying often for grace and deliverance. Her added responsibilities through the passing away of her husband, caused her much grief and anxious cares, but she trusted the unerring hand of God. She always had a heart of sympathy for the ailing and needy, anxious to do her part as a widow in making contributions.

In the last several years her health failed. After the doctor’s examination and treatments it was advised to operate, to which she consented. She sought the face of the Lord who did not leave her without witness. She told of hearing beautiful singing, and herself repeating the song. “Ich bin ein gast auf erden.”

She leaves to mourn her departure her only daughter, Ida, of the home, nine brothers and sisters: Mrs. Lena Koehn of Moundridge, Kansas, Mrs. Sam Koehn of Isabella, Oklahoma, Mrs. John Isaac, of Montezuma, Kansas, Mrs. John Boese, of Galva, Kans., Mrs. Fred Schmidt of Montezuma, Kansas, Henry Schmidt, of Halstead, Kansas, Jacob Schmidt, of Winton, California, Ben Schmidt of Montezuma, Kansas, and Dave Schmidt of Galva, Kansas, with many other relatives and friends. Three sisters and one brother preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held at the Lone Tree Church, Nov. 11, 1950, at 2 p.m. The message was brought by Min. Jonas B. Koehn, from II Cor. 5:1, Rev. 14:13. Interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.