Arlene L Koehn

Arlene Koehn

Our dear mother and grandmother passed away in the early morning of August 21, 2026. She was weary and ready to go, although she had loved life.

Arlene Koehn was born in rural Marion County to Jake and Ruby Unruh Koehn on August 12, 1943. She grew up a farm girl all the way—growing, living, and loving country life. The influence of helping on the farm before marriage stayed with her all her life and even in the later years, she would keep track of temperatures and grain and ag related markets. She received her eight years of education in the Potwin area.

At the age of 12, she committed her life to God and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, on January 30, 1955. She never wavered in this decision.

On April 4, 1965, she was joined in marriage to Chester Koehn by Minister Lester Koehn. She felt privileged to be able to share her life with him and they enjoyed forty-two years together, living in the Potwin and Burns communities. God blessed their home with three dearly loved children.

Mom was a very industrious lady, seldom idle and choosing rather to stand than to sit. Spring and summer found her working and picking produce in the large garden in the early morning. Putting up sweet corn was a big thing to her. While planning meals she would often say ”we could always have corn”. This turned into a point of humor for us as family. We also remember all the fruit trees—peaches, apricots, cherries, pears, and blackberries. Mom was also a big part of their dog business.

Dad’s passing in 2008 was a difficult time for Mom and for us as a family. It left a hole in our lives. Mom continued to pour out her love on us as her children and grandchildren.

She was full of life and joy, finding her greatest happiness in caring for her children and grandchildren. Her warmth lived in the small, unforgettable details: hunting for treasures at thrift stores, keeping everyone stocked with candy and pop, handing out after-church snacks, and crafting her signature peanut clusters every Christmas. Ensuring everyone was fed and looked after was second nature to her, and it meant so much to her to set a table filled with hearty, well-rounded meals where no one ever went without.

We remember family trips with children and grandchildren to the Ozarks and Colorado. She always loved going to the mountains, and outdoor breakfasts were very special.

She was always concerned about her family’s spiritual life and gave out little reproofs. She was avid in encouraging her family in the way of God. It was hard on her that, because of her health, she could no longer go to church.

In the last week, when her mind was clear, she called all her children and grandchildren, telling them she loved them and wished them well. She wanted to have her way clear with everyone, even asking us if she was “in the clear.” We have no doubts that she was at peace and ready to go.

Those left to treasure her memory are her children; Sandra and David Koehn, Hillsboro, Kansas; Vickie and Matthew Koehn, Burns, Kansas; Marshall Koehn, Madrid, Nebraska; and daughter-in-law Miranda Koehn, Grant, Nebraska.

grandchildren; Kendra and Todd, Shalya and Shelby, Matthew, Carson, Madelyne, Mason, Kyler, Mallori, and Marrill; great-grandchildren, Michael and Sage, one brother, one sister, two brothers in law and two sisters in law.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; parents-in-law; two brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; one niece; and one nephew.