MONTEZUMA - Michael Ray Koehn, 75, passed away peacefully at the Artesian Valley Health System in Meade, Kansas, on January 31, 2026. Michael was born January 26, 1951 at the old Bethel Home in Montezuma, Kansas with Dr. Hull as attending physician. He was the youngest son of Orlie and Elda (Wenger) Koehn.

Michael grew up in Montezuma attending school kindergarten through graduation at USD #371. He loved sports and enjoyed participating in them. He was proficient as quarterback in all four years of high school. He enjoyed basketball and softball and all his teammates. The Class of 1969 was a group of very energetic boys and Michael enjoyed all the fun and often ruckus adventures of his many classmates. At the urging of several close friends he attended and graduated from Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas, where he participated in baseball as a pitcher. He shared many successful games and had a hidden heart’s desire of becoming a professional baseball player.

He moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1974. During Spring Break 1979, he met Elizabeth Byron (Beth) in Woodland Park, Colorado. He married Beth, the love of his life, in Cascade, Colorado on May 24, 1980. Four months into their marriage, he moved Beth to his home town of Montezuma, Kansas, where they resided as he worked for Hal Hedlund with Kyle Hedlund at the Hedlund Ranch as farm hand. They welcomed their first and only child, Meilani Christine Koehn on April 2, 1984. She was and is the joy of his life. Michael had a strong faith in God, coming to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and being baptized on January 15, 1991. He practiced his faith humbly, gently, and kindly. Michael also enjoyed golf and playing softball as shortstop with his local buddies until well into his 40s. Michael was a wonderful husband and an awesome father to his daughter, Meilani. He enjoyed being grandfather to his two grandchildren, Samantha Nicole Wilson and Logan Emery Wilson.

Michael eventually began working in Maintenance at USD #371 in 1988. He served his community working at the school. The teachers became like family to him. He enjoyed making friends with each and every student, chatting and encouraging them young and old. He loved his work and did it tirelessly, especially during snow storms. He was up at 4 or 5 AM shoveling and pushing out snow so the teachers could park and the buses could drop off the children. Never needing to be the center of attention, he loved serving. A loyal Chiefs football fan and Royals baseball fan, he continued to enjoy sports from the comfort of his couch. He retired June 1, 2021 from USD #371 South Gray after 32 years of faithful, dedicated service.

Michael is survived by his wife, Beth, enjoying 45 years of marriage; his daughter, Meilani Christine Wilson of Charleston, West Virginia; grandchildren, Samantha Nicole Wilson and Logan Emery Wilson of West Linn, Oregon; two brothers, Errol Koehn and Keith Koehn and wife, Virginia of Montezuma, Kansas; sister-in-law, Rita Koehn of Parsons, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews. Michael is preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Charlotte; two brothers, Jerald Koehn and Gary Koehn; and one sister-in-law, Virginia F. Koehn.

Memorial Service will be held at the South Gray High School Gymnasium in Montezuma on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 2:30 PM with Pastor, Doug Harris and Minister Charles Schmidt presiding. Memorials are suggested to USD 371 for the purchase of a memorial bench in care of Swaim Funeral Chapel. There is no visitation as cremation has taken place. The family requests casual, comfortable dress. Please no suits or ties. The service will be live streamed at SGRebels.tv. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guestbook at www.swaimfuneralhome.com