Irene (Schmidt) Koehn
Our beloved mother and grandmother, Irene (Schmidt) Koehn was born to Benjamin D. and Susie Schmidt on October 24, 1925 in Montezuma. On May 20, 2015, God peacefully called her home at Bethel Home at the age of 89.
Mom answered the call of God and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite at Montezuma on Christmas Day 1938 by Min. Albert Unruh.
She grew up in the Montezuma community, receiving her formal education at the Montezuma Grade School. She found her life’s companion in our father and grandfather, Norman Koehn. They were married September 4, 1949 by Min. Ervin Harms. They shared 57 happy years together. To this union were born nine children.
The first few years of married life were spent in the Montezuma community. Then they spent five years in the mission service in Mexico. They returned from Mexico in 1962, residing again in Montezuma. In the summer of 1977, they moved to Victoria, Texas. The 27 years spent in Texas left many happy, lasting memories. Mom stood faithfully beside Dad through his years of ministry.
As children, we knew Mom as a sweet and gentle person. We never heard her raise her voice. She was very hospitable, often receiving guests at a moments notice. She loved her grandchildren and she was a special grandmother to them. Her parting words always were “I love you.” We appreciate the example that Mom left us with. Mom prayed often for all of her family, carrying a special concern for our salvation. We will greatly miss her, and we have the assurance that we will meet her again in Heaven.
Those left to cherish precious memories are: Stan and wife Leslie, Scott City, Richard and wife Deb, Montezuma, Bryan and wife Lynna, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Charlotte and husband Dale Johnson, Connie and husband Marlon Giesel, all of Grant, Alabama, 14 grandchildren, and one great grandchild; three brothers: Harry and wife Stella, John, Ben, and one sister, Elizabeth Koehn all from Montezuma, and a host of relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman, 12 year old son Carl, two infant sons, one infant daughter, three brothers, and four sisters.
Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Jeff Giesel, Charles Schmidt, and Donald Koehn presiding. Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Friday, May 22, 2015 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.
