Richard Paul Koehn

Richard Paul Koehn was born on December 29, 1953, to Pete and Melinda Wedel Koehn at Goessel, Kansas. He left his earthly home behind when his soul took its flight to his heavenly home on July 20, 2020. Richard was the seventh child in a family of eight children. He had happy memories of growing up in central Kansas in a secure, loving home. Richard learned to make do with less and this resourcefulness was one of his strengths. Growing up with family members who had poor health helped to give him a compassionate heart for the suffering. His oldest sister Sharolyn died when he was fourteen from diabetes complications. Richard found forgiveness and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on March 21, 1971. His faith and relationship with God became a vital and precious part of his life. His goal was heaven. In his early twenties, Richard worked on a land leveling project in Mozambique. Following that, he had the opportunity to move to Greensburg, Kansas to begin his own farming operation. It was during this time his dad and mom passed away within a few years of each other. Highlights in his life at Greensburg included his marriage to Joleen Hiebert on August 27, 1978, and the birth of his firstborn. He also formed many lasting friendships. Richard, Joleen, and their daughter moved to Michigan in 1982 to begin dairy farming. Three more girls were born into this home. Richard was a loyal and supportive husband and a kind and patient dad. We felt a strong sense of security in his love for us, and he brought happiness into our home with his light-hearted comments and easygoing personality. We girls benefited from his long-suffering nature as he patiently taught us how to be his farm hands. He had a father’s heart for the many young men who worked with him on the dairy. He took an interest in the lives of his nephews and nieces. Each son-in-law was welcomed unconditionally and his natural attraction to babies and children gave him a special bond with his grandchildren. Richard was ordained to the deaconry in 1993 at Carson City, Michigan. He was dedicated to his calling and spent many hours in service for the Lord. His deaconry was blessed by his commonsense approach to life and his ability to see the best in people and to put the best slant on situations. He was a peacemaker. After the Wildwood congregation formed his membership was transferred and he faithfully served there until his passing. The years he served on the Christian Public Service board enriched his life. He loved people and enjoyed making new friends. We are heartbroken at his passing and feel he has left us too soon. But we are comforted as we think of him happy and free from the pains and cares of life. Left with fond memories are his wife, Joleen; four daughters, Tamara and Kent Inniger, Trenton, Brooke, and Jenna of Middleton Michigan; Marsha and Aaron Yost, William, Dale, and Lia of Greensburg, KS; Klara and Brycen Shetler, Zachary, Bryant, Raquel, and Ty of Dalton, OH; Kamilla and Greg Becker, Jace, of Hume, MO; Four sisters, Jewel and Denis Warkentin, Cartwright MB, Lena Koehn, Newton, KS, Iris and Howard Eck, Haviland, KS, Crystal Koehn, Moundridge, KS, Two brothers, Gerald and Margaret, Louisville, GA, Larry and Wanda, Durham KS and special family friend Margie Jantz, Newton, KS. Parents-in-law Delbert and Marjorie Hiebert, Middleton, MI; One brother-in-law Kevin and Kris Hiebert, Perrinton MI; Two sisters-in-law, Kandra and Barry Koehn, Goltry, OK, Karalee and Keith Unruh Stanton, IA. Those gone on before him are his parents, his sister Sharolyn, one granddaughter, Marilla Yost. A private funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2020, at 10:30 A.M. at the Wildwood Mennonite Church with Deacon Scott Haynes, Minister Jeff Litwiller and Minister Avery Peters officiating. Public visitation will be held on Saturday from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the church. Burial will be held at the Wildwood Mennonite Cemetery. Those desiring, may make contributions in Rich’s honor to Christian Public Service in care of the Wildwood Mennonite Church.