Frank Koehn
NEWTON - Frank Koehn was born into the
Mennonite wheat-farming family of Cornelius C. and Agnes Koehn on
March 1, 1916, at Duboise, Idaho.
At 4 years of age, he and his family
abandoned the homestead and moved to a Highland Township farm east of
Hesston; then, successively, to Marion County farms 5 miles northwest
of Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church near Goessel, and the next, 12
miles northwest of Peabody.
Entering school at age 8 speaking only
German, Frank spent his elementary years at Pleasant Valley country
school. Walton High School was the site of his secondary years.
Frank was a mechanic and vehicle
inspector for the U.S. Army during WW II, serving 4 years, 2 months
and 10 days. Following discharge, summers were spent on the plains of
the States of Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas custom
combining wheat.
A few years later, he worked with
concrete and did general construction for Norman and Kenny Wiens,
Marvin Wedel, Dick Allenbaugh and Gary Curteman. During later years,
he did general contracting.
Vera May Hoyer became his bride on
October 18, 1953, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Canton. Son,
Charles Scott Carle was welcomed into the family in 1966.
Frank was baptized in 1936 at
Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church, rural Goessel, and confirmed in faith
at Zion Lutheran Church on January 31st, 1955. Frank and Vera were
long-time members of Zion Lutheran Church at Newton. They jointly
served as youth sponsors for several years. Bible study and worship
were integral to their lives. Their favorite seats in God's house on
Sundays were in the back pew near the center aisle offering a warm
welcome and farewell hug for anyone willing or in need.
A life-time faithful servant, Frank
also served as a Trustee, Elder and member of the Board of Education.
Gary Lloyd was instrumental in adding
Frank to the Newton American Legion membership.
Preceding him in death were his
parents, Cornelius C. and Agnes Koehn; wife Vera May; sisters and
brothers-in-law, Margaret and Glenn Eubank of California, Vic and
Martha Penner of Emporia, and Walter and Nellie Esau of Newton;
brothers and sisters-in-law Jake and Erma Koehn of Goessel, George
and Inez Koehn of Newton; brothers Edward (in infancy) and John Koehn
of Newton.
Survivors include son, Charles Scott
Carle; sister-in-law Ellen Koehn of Newton; and brother and
sister-in-law Irwin and Donna Koehn of Blaine, Washington.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m.
Saturday (Jan. 23, 2016) held at Zion Lutheran Church, Newton.
Visitation with family present will 6
to 8 p.m. Friday (Jan. 22, 2016) also at Zion Lutheran Church,
Newton.
Memorials may be designated to St. Jude
Children's Research Hospital , Boys Town, Newton Salvation Army, Zion
Pre-school or Zion Lutheran Church in care of the Miller-Ott Funeral
Home, Hesston.
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