Montezuma - Our dear sister, mother, and grandmother, Irene Wiens Koehn, gently closed life's book when God called her home on January 30, 2015. She was born on July 7, 1929, in rural Gray County, to Jacob B. and Carrie Koehn Wiens. Early school years were enjoyed at Sunnyside country school. Later, the family moved closer to Montezuma, where she completed the 8th grade at Montezuma Public School.

Irene grew up on a country farm during the years of the Depression. Even though they were poor, their family enjoyed close ties and working together. As mom grew older, she found happiness in helping others by doing housework and babysitting.

Mom committed her life to Christ at an early age and joyfully served him. She was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite by Min. Ervin Harms, on October 24, 1943. She endeavored to live faithfully and walk daily with her Savior and we find comfort in knowing she has gone to her eternal home.

Mom enjoyed caring for others and began her nurses' training 1958. She graduated from Dodge City Community College as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She spent a number of years working at Trinity and Western Plains Hospitals in Dodge City. She also spent some years working at the Montezuma Clinic with Dr. Hull.

At the age of 61, Mom was delighted when Wilbur C. Koehn asked for her hand in marriage. They were married on December 2,, 1990, in Montezuma, and shared nearly 11 happy years together. They loved to travel and Dad enjoyed sharing with her some of his favorite places. It seemed many times there was more enjoyment in the journey than in the destination! Mom enjoyed crocheting and often shared with us a good book that she had read. We deeply appreciate all that she taught us and her loving acceptance of us. Mom's creed for life epitomized the words: simplicity, modesty, and economy.

When Mom married Dad, she became our "Mom" and "Grandma". Because mom Virginia left us at an inopportune time, Irene was the only Grandma many of our children knew.

Mom courageously battled cancer for about 8 months. During this time, Mom inspired us with her gracious spirit and acceptance of each new complication of her illness. Her faith and trust in God deepened as discomfort and pain became a way of life. We, as a family, are inspired to carry on in the spirit of our mother and friend.

Those dearest to her include her sisters: Velma Wiens and Susanna Unruh, both of Montezuma; sisters-in-law: Ruth Wiens, Manhattan and Gladys Wiens, Moundridge; nieces: Janette and Joy Unruh both of Montezuma, Sue Anne & Ken Bell, Amarillo, Texas, Virginia Dewey, Pampa, Texas, and Cynthia & John Holdeman, Louisville, Georgia; nephews: Brian& Tammy Unruh, Claremore, Oklahoma, Keith & Carol Wiens, Manhattan, Myron & Sharon Wiens, Fort Worth, Texas, Dale & Sara Wiens, Arthur, Illinois, David & Marlene Wiens, Hesston, and Warren & Kathy Wiens, Newton; step-children: Elaine Smith Koehn, Montezuma, Twila & Richard Mininger, Hiawatha, Howard & Londa Koehn, and James & Sherlyn Koehn all of Copeland; 13 grandchildren; and 41 great-grandchildren. Also dear to her were her neighbors. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, six brothers, two sisters, one sister-in-law, one brother-in law, one nephew, one niece, and one great grand-daughter.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Monday, February 2, 2015 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Charles Schmidt, Richard Koehn, and Denton Koehn presiding. Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Sunday, February 1, 2015 from Noon to 4:00 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.