Koehn, Virgil Raymond (1919-1947)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1947 Jul 10 p. 3

Birth date: 1919 Oct 4

text of obituary:

VIRGIL R. KOEHN

Virgil Raymond Koehn, son of Daniel J. and Susie Wedel Koehn, was born on October 4, 1919, at McPherson, Kansas.

He received his formal education in the Volunteer District School near Elyria, Kansas. Being physically handicapped, he ad to forego some of the normal privileges of life. Nevertheless, he possessed a dauntless spirit of courage to carry the cross laid upon him.

Being concerned about his soul's welfare, he endeavored to seek the spiritual truths which led him to enter the catechism class in the local church. On August 23, 1936, upon his confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour and Redeemer from sin he was baptized by Elder J. J. Ratzlaff, at which time he was received as a member of the Emmanuel Mennonite church where he remained a faithful member until the time of his departure.

Recently his health began to fail quite rapidly. An organic disorder made his recovery impossible. On Monday, June 23, 1947, at 12:15 a. m. he peacefully departed from his earthly life to go to be present with the Lord. He reached the age of 27 years, eight months, and 18 days.

He often wondered why such a heavy cross was laid upon him to bear, but he took comfort in the thought that if if was the Lord's will he was willing to bear it. When told that his illness was of such a nature which made recovery impossible, he began to pray more earnestly and trust more firmly in his Lord and Saviour. He partook of Holy Communion a few weeks prior to his passing. Through this service he was strengthened and a calm and peace came over his soul. While lingering here and eagerly awaiting the summons of his Lord, he would assure those who came to his bedside that he was without fear and ready to meet his Lord. Knowing that his departure was at hand, he endeavored to comfort his loved ones with the thought that his leaving them did not mean that he did not love them. He declared that the delights of his heavenly home could not be compared with his earthly home in this world.

He leaves to mourn his departure the bereaved parents, two sisters, Betty, Mrs. Nathan Wedel of Tampa; Doris, Mrs. Chester Warren Russell of McPherson; one brother, Victor, at home; two brothers-in-law, Nathan Wedel and Chester Warren Russell; three nephews, Larry DeWayne and Douglas Keith Wedel, and Chester Warren, Jr.; and a host of relatives and friends. One brother, Leonard Daniel, and one sister, Bonnie Dee, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 25, at 2:30 p.m. at the Emmanuel Mennonite church. Rev. Garman Wedel officiated and was assisted by Rev. J. J. Ratzlaff. The male quartet composed of Roy Unruh, Eben Wedel, Leon Jantz, and Elmer Jantz, sang at the home, "Haven of Rest" and "Remember Me, O Mighty One," at the church, "Then I Shall Understand," and "Trust and Obey," and at the cemetery, "Going Down the Valley." They were accompanied by Miss Evelyn Wedel.