Leevern Koehn

LeeVern Koehn was born September 11, 1938 to Edward and Katie Koehn near Ulysses, Kansas. He passed away May 25, 2024 at Sunset Home in Bonners Ferry, ID. He was 85 years old.

Dad gave his heart to God and was baptized on December 9, 1952 in to the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite by Min. Norman Eicher. He was faithful to his vows to the end.

He started school speaking only Low German. Studying in a one room school.

Dad married our Mom, Lois, daughter of Clemen and Lydia Koehn on September 6, 1959 at Copeland, KS. After marriage they lived on Granpa Edwards place helping with the farming. Here Leland was born in Ulysses, KS.

In 1961, they moved to Wichita County, Kansas. Attending church at the Scott City congregation. There he farmed together with his brother-in-law Granville Koehn. During this time LeAnn was born in Leoti, KS.

In 1966 they moved to Wallace County and purchased their own farm near Sharon Springs, KS. The house on the farm was an old schoolhouse that needed lots of work, with plenty of weeds and junk in the yard. He loved farming, had a knack for welding and fabrication, and liked to make his own repairs. He also enjoyed wood working. Making many things for family and friends. In 1970 Dad’s brother Wilbur and family moved to Sharon Springs. We, as a family, enjoyed having them nearby for five years. We continued driving 47 miles to Scott Mennonite Church for 10 years. Even having Sunday dinner company after. They were happy to start a new congregation. First meeting in the old Harrison Flats School. Later Dad put in many hours helping build the new church.

In march of 2004, at the age of 66, Dad sold his farm and moved to Othello, WA, starting a new era in their life. Dad said those were the best 14 years of their life. in April of 2018 they moved to Bonners Ferry, ID. Mom entered Sunset Home and Dad bought a house to be nearby. Mom passed away on August 9, 2018, leaving Dad very lonely. Then in May of 2023 he moved into Sunset Home, and was lovingly cared for until his death. He really enjoyed visiting with everyone. We heard his stories many times over and really should’ve added extra time for a trip to town.

His survivors include his son Leland and wife Joyce Koehn, Scott City, KS; daughter Leann and husband David Holdeman, Bonners Ferry, ID; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one sister Luella Koehn; three sisters-in-law: Laura Koehn, Bonnie Jackson, and Lovella Koehn; one brother-in-law Granville and Dorothy Koehn; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, five brothers, one sister, and three sisters-in-law.

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Woodland Mennonite Church in Bonners Ferry from 4:00 to 9:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024 at the Woodland Mennonite Church at 10:30 am. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Sunset Home Assisted Living (510920 US-95, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805) in memory of LeeVern.