Montezuma- Dale Gene Koehn was born to Tobe H and Mary (Unruh) Koehn on July 7, 1931, in Gray County. He departed this life on June 30, 2019, just short of his 88th birthday.

He spent the first years of his childhood at Walsh, Colorado, where his parents were trying to make a living during the depression. They moved back to Kansas when Dad was 4 or 5 and settled on a farm south of Montezuma. He was baptized October 22, 1944, by Minister Frank Haynes. His faith was precious to him until the very end.

He was married to our Mother, Verda Schmidt, on May 6, 1951, by Minister Ervin Harms. They had 68 good years together. In their early married years Dad worked on the elevator building crew. His desire was to be an irrigation farmer, and that became his lifetime occupation.

Dad's generous spirit was felt and appreciated by many. Christian Disaster Relief work took him many different places where he put his heart into helping those in need. He enjoyed the challenges of the many building projects he was involved in. Dad could see a finished project in his mind before he started. A highlight for Dad and Mom were the years they spent with the girls and the Navajo children in Gallup, New Mexico. Favorite family memories include fishing with Dad and Grandpa. Dad spent many hours of memory making with his grandchildren. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were special to him.

After retiring Dad and Mom left farming behind and moved to town where he enjoyed his carpenter shop. Many pieces of oak furniture were left for us to enjoy. When that stage of life was completed he moved into Bethel Home. We as a family appreciate the tender loving care Dad received. We are confident he went to his heavenly home, and we intend to meet him there.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Verda; five children: Jolene Koehn, Rita Schmidt and husband Riley, Gene Koehn and wife Judy, all of Montezuma, Scott Koehn and wife Sheila, Bradley, Arkansas, Brent Koehn and wife Joan of Montezuma, 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, a sister Nadine Schmidt, Montezuma, a brother Dallas Koehn and wife Deanne of Montezuma. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son-in-law Bradley Koehn, 4 grandchildren, and one great- grandchild.

Funeral service will be held at Homeland Mennonite Church, Montezuma on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Homeland Mennonite Cemetery, Montezuma. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Tuesday July 2, 2019 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.