Chester L. Koehn, 103, was born in rural Moundridge on Jan. 20, 1918 to David and Susie (Boese) Koehn. He passed away peacefully at Kansas Christian Home in Newton, Kansas on Feb. 7, 2021.
He served in the army in World War II, from Dec. 8, 1942 until being honorably discharged on Dec. 4, 1945. For almost 55 years, he was a member of American Legion Post #340 of Moundridge.
Prior to his service, he met Leola R. Wedel. Their relationship grew, but was interrupted by his service. They continued to correspond during his absence, and upon his return, they married on June 30, 1946 at Emmanuel Mennonite Church. They enjoyed over 71 years together, until she passed away on May 6, 2018. His remaining years alone were filled with the pain of the loss of her.
He is survived by a son Lyle Koehn and wife Joyce (Lutz) of Wichita; three granddaughters, Julie Sinak (Matthew) of St. Louis, MO., Victoria Cornitius (Matthew), of Wright, KS, and Rebecca Koehn of Kansas City, KS; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Gloria Wiggers of Moundridge; sister-in-law, Norma (Eck) Koehn of Moundridge; brother-in-law, Gerald (Joyce) Wedel of Newton; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven and wife Bette (Cripe); five brothers, Martin (Mike), Lewis, Herman, Robert and Leonard; four sisters, Laura (Koehn) Koehn, Selma R. Koehn, Amanda A. Koehn and Maizie Mae Koehn.
After several years at Emmanuel, Chester and Leola became and remained active members of West Zion Mennonite Church until their passing.
After the army, Chester worked for the Goering Hardware Implement until his retirement in the 1980s. After his retirement, he spent his time building woodworking projects, including six Grandmother Clocks, many metal jigs, templates and several miniature steam engines.
Private family funeral service will be held at West Zion Mennonite Church, 10:00 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The service can be livestreamed here. Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021 at Moundridge Funeral Home. The family will not be present. Memorial contributions may be made to West Zion Mennonite Church in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, Kansas 67107.
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