Montezuma - Our Dad, Grandpa and Friend, Harold H. Koehn, was born to Harry R. and Ella (Koehn) Koehn on September 17, 1932. The last several years Dad has longed for his heavenly home, and he quietly slipped away Tuesday morning, October 3, 2023, reaching the age of 91.

Dad was the third of five children. His childhood and school years were in the Montezuma community. Dad met the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite by David J. Koehn on November 12, 1944. His Christian life was important to him, and he was faithful until death.

Our Dad found his lifelong companion in Lola J. Koehn of Goltry, Oklahoma. They were married on January 4, 1953. Their home was blessed with six children. On their wedding day Dad promised to do his best to make their marriage a happy one. Mom said on their fiftieth anniversary that Dad had been faithful to that pledge. They spent 68 years together. The last two years without Mom were difficult. Facing life was more challenging.

Dad was a farmer, and we have many good memories of playing and working together. The older boys remember wrestling with Dad on the floor and the younger ones remember playing ping-pong. Dad was a lifelong teacher and instructor. Dad lived and taught the values of honesty, hard work and punctuality. Maintaining peace with God and an assurance of salvation eclipsed everything else and was never far from Dad's consciousness. However, Dad had failings and was quick to come back to us and others to say sorry, asking forgiveness, with tears in his eyes.

Dad and three other brethren were ordained into the gospel ministry November 29, 1963. Dad was ordained by his father-in-law, Reuben J. Koehn. God's grace and Dad's availability opened many doors. He found joy in service and felt pressed to talk to many people about salvation. Teaching prepatory classes was a big part of his early ministry. We remember he was often gone during the winter. Later, he served on various boards and missions, including the years in the Philippine Islands.

Dad grew older. After retiring from the farm and the ministry, Dad and Mom found a place in pastoring at Bethel Home. Finally, the time came to leave their rural farmhouse and move to the apartments and later full care. Dad's optimism was tested in his final years, but he was victorious. We and our parents appreciated the dedicated care of the Bethel Home staff.

Those to cherish his memories: Five children: Michael and wife Cynthia, Montezuma, KS, Stanton and wife Starla, Plains, KS, Mark and wife Denise, Paxton, NE, Susan and husband Bruce Koehn, Montezuma, KS, Darwin and wife Vonda, Gruver, TX; Nineteen grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. He also survived by one brother: Calvin and wife Velma, Montezuma, KS, and one sister: Lorraine, and husband Henry Ensz, Inman, KS. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lola; son, Doyle; three grandsons, and one great granddaughter; his parents; and two sisters.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery.. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel of Montezuma on Thursday, October 5, 2023 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.