LeeVern Koehn, 85

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

Dad gave his heart to God and was baptized on December 9, 1952, into 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 and studying in a one-room school.

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

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, Kansas.

In 1966, they moved to Wallace County and purchased a farm near Sharon Springs, Kansas. 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 woodworking. Making many things for family and friends. In 1970, Dad’s brother Wilbur and his 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, Wash., 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, Idaho. 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. 

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Leland and wife Joyce Koehn, Scott City, Kansas; daughter LeAnn and husband David Holdeman, Bonners Ferry, Idaho; 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, three sisters-in-law, and one brother-in-law.

Viewing was held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Woodland Mennonite Church in Bonners Ferry from 4 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the Woodland Mennonite Church at 10:30 a.m. 

To leave a message or memory for the family go to bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family.