Hubert Koehn

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Hubert Koehn was born to Walter P. and Eva Nightingale Koehn on Oct. 6, 1948, in Burns, Kan. He peacefully passed away in his home near Metz, Mo., on May 1, 2013. Death was the result of long-term kidney failure.

He grew up in the Burns community with 10 brothers and one sister. At the age of 13 he answered the Lord's call after hearing the Lord call his name. He was baptized on April 12, 1961, by the Rev. Tobe Koehn, and he remained faithful to these vows until God called him home. At the age of 17 he moved with his family to Rich Hill, Mo. His two service years were spent in Tulsa, Okla.

On Dec. 3, 1972, he was united in marriage to Mary Jantz, sharing life's joys and sorrows for 40 years. This union was blessed with two sons. In the early years of their marriage, he worked in the medical field. Most of his active years he enjoyed working with cattle and farming.

His health began to fail in the late 80s. He enjoyed hard work and never complained about anything, pushing himself even during his illness. Many will remember his ability to lighten up the room with his sense of humor. He loved to give things to others, often offering food and drink to visitors.

In the spring of 2012, he spent seven weeks in the hospital dealing with a serious infection. The doctors presented us with a couple of difficult options. There was a special prayer for direction on which treatment option we should pursue. God was good to us, extending his life for one year. We marvel at God's plan in permitting him to come home on May 1, and exactly one year later calling him to his eternal home. Our prayer was that we could live each day without fear. It truly was a year of quality time, even having the special blessing of celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary.

The last while, we as a family noticed more of a concern and fervency for spiritual things. Recently, he prayed "That the young ones growing up could have the new birth and be saved." Those left with precious memories are his loving wife, Mary; two sons, Matt and wife, Gayla, and Sid and wife, Janalee, all of Richards, Mo.; six grandchildren, Ted, Joel and Nathaniel, Dinah, Tasha and Grant; nine brothers, Harland, Archie and wife, Alice, both of Rich Hill, Mo., Ernie of Butler, Mo., Frank and wife, Marlene, of Rich Hill, Mo., Marlin and wife, Diann, of Macon, Miss., Wesley and wife, Edith, of Rich Hill, Mo., Delbert and wife, Rita, of Eldon, Mo., Daniel and wife, Marva, of Barnett, Mo., and Milton and wife, Marge, of Versailles, Mo.; one sister, Ella Mae and husband, Jim Isaac, of Butler, Mo.; one sister-in-law, Beth Koehn of Moundridge, Kan.; his parents-in-law, Marion and Evelyn Jantz of Richards, Mo.; brother-in-law Daniel Jantz and two sisters-in-law, Velma, Mrs. Harold Boehs of Nevada, Mo., and Phyllis, Mrs. Ray Hiebert of Saragosa, Texas; and many other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one brother; one infant sister; and three sisters-in-law.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 4, at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Mo., with the Revs. Myron Koehn and Harold Unruh officiating. Burial was in Bethany Mennonite Cemetery, Rich Hill, Mo.

Contributions may be made to the Bethany Mennonite Church Benevolent Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.schowengerdtchapel.com.