MONTEZUMA - Ernest Koehn, son of John A. and Rachel Koehn, was born on November 25, 1923, in Montezuma. He was the youngest child of seven children, and his departure from this life leaves no remaining siblings of John and Rachel's family. His passing in the early hours of March 23, 2018 marked the end of ninety-four years of life.

Uncle Ernest, as he was affectionately called, repented of his sins as a young man of fourteen, and was baptized in 1937, at Montezuma. Christian living held its share of challenges over the next years of adolescence and into adulthood. However there were times of renewing his vows with God and the Church.

In his latter teen years and into manhood, Uncle Ernest's father, being a minister of the gospel, was deeply interested in mission work in Mexico. Early on, Ernest accompanied his parents on their mission trips to Mexico. When he was older he stayed with other folks at different places, being employed by others while his father was absent.

Thus it was that he met Gladys Smith of Goltry, Oklahoma. They were married in the Zoar Mennonite Church, Goltry, on March 19, 1944. This union endured for sixty-eight years, until Gladys passed away in 2012. Ernest and Gladys lived their married life without the blessing of children.

When in their early-fifties, Uncle Ernest and Aunt Gladys again consecrated their lives to God. The true gospel of the faith "once delivered to the saints," including the Church, became real to Ernest. In a few years he was called to the ministry by the Church. He was ordained in the Montezuma Congregation, Montezuma on December 2, 1981, being fifty-eight years of age.

Ernest and Gladys served a number of years in the Dodge City mission outreach. Drawing on his knowledge of the waywardness and neediness of mankind, he reached out to troubled people with feeling and care. He was also active in revival efforts in the congregations and his simple and unpretentious manner of preaching was effective.

Throughout his ministry he always spoke of "the Word" as the final authority for conduct and the roadmap to Heaven. Often in his last years he would ask visiting preachers, "Are you still preaching the Word?" His gift was in the evangelistic line, but he also had a zeal for the spiritual wellbeing of the Church. During his active years in the ministry he wrote a number of evangelistic articles for the Messenger of Truth. His clarity in speaking and writing was appreciated.

In the last several years of Uncle Ernest's nearly ten years residence at Bethel Home, Montezuma, a special grace seemed to come over his spirit. This endeared him to the staff and residents of Bethel Home, nieces and nephews, and all who visited. His humor was heartening. He was greatly appreciative of Bethel Home and the care he received there.

While he leaves no earthly treasures behind, he has left us with the assurance of riches untold in the heavenly realm.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 10:30 AM.  Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Church Cemetery in Montezuma.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Sunday, March 25, 2018 from noon 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.