Maynard M. Koehn

Maynard M Koehn, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, was born to Harry and Freda (Unruh) Koehn on October 7, 1942, in McPherson, Kansas. After a short battle with cancer, he peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, surrounded by family at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas.

Dad’s growing up years were spent on a little farm near the railroad tracks north of Lehigh, Kansas. He received his formal education in the Waldeck and Lehigh communities. He was the youngest of four children, and when he was 16, he experienced the loss of his mother. This was a very difficult time for the family, yet he often talked of the influence his mother had on his life. In lieu of military service, Dad spent two years in Albuquerque, New Mexico, forming many lifelong friendships and lasting memories.

He answered God’s call to salvation and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite at the Lone Tree Congregation on February 26, 1956, by Minister Lincoln Jantz. He found the love of his life in Ruth Ensz, and they were married on July 24, 1966, at Inman, Kansas, making their home in this community. Dad was a lifelong farmer and stockman, first on a chicken farm south of Inman and later moving to his parents-in-law’s farm northwest of Inman. Dad loved life, and it was his hope to be able to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, but God had other plans. They were blessed with a son and two daughters.

Our parents went to Haiti as missionaries for a term of service shortly after they were married. They formed a lifelong love for the people there, returning for a second term and several short visits through the years. God called Maynard to a place of service in his church and in January of 1975, he was ordained into the Gospel Ministry by Minister Jake Boese at the Zion congregation, Inman. He carried a deep love and concern for the church, especially the Zion Congregation, and he faithfully labored in the work God asked of him. No matter what he was busy with, if someone was hurting, he would stop what he was doing and do what he could to help carry their load. Much time was unselfishly given in service to Gospel Tract and Bible Society, the Publication Board, and the Conference Counseling Committee. He especially enjoyed the time he spent on the Publication Board and was involved in the writing and publishing of the book Bible Doctrine and Practice. Dad and Mom also treasure the friendships they formed in the short times they spent pastoring at the Uvalde, Texas and Hythe, Alberta congregations.

History and our Christian heritage were important to him, and in his own words, “History can help us chart our own course so it will take us where we want to go. If we lose connection with the past, we could become adrift like a ship that has broken loose of its moorings.”

Family was important to dad and mom both and as the family grew, in-laws were accepted and loved as one of their own. Dad seemed to always have time to help out with projects any of us had going. They loved to travel and no matter where a grandchild was living, they made sure to visit them. Holidays were special times as a family. Dad was a steady presence in our lives, leaving us a legacy of faith, love and loyalty. His prayers were very meaningful, often naming his children and grandchildren by name, and would pray “that we can be willing to share with others the many blessings that thou dost give.”

He leaves behind his dear wife, Ruth; children, Kevin & (Kathy) Koehn of Inman, KS, Julie & (Jerrold) Toews of Inman, KS, and Kristin & (Trevor) Dirks of Windom, KS; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Velma Jean Buller of Morris, MN; a brother, Verlin & (Velma) Koehn of Cumberland, WI; in-laws, Lois Wenger of Newton, KS, Luella & Harry Toews of Barron, WI, and Dorothy & Lawrence Good of Center, CO; and many extended relatives. Also special to the family, Jeramiah & Jandi Fitzsimmons and their family of Eaton, CO.

Maynard was preceded in death by his parents; 2 stepmothers, parents-in-law, a granddaughter, Kandace Koehn, one sister Maryellen, three brothers-in-law, Delbert Buller, Archie Stenzel, and Weldon Wenger.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Monday, June 15, 2026, at Zion Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Inman, KS. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, June 16, at Zion Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Burial will follow at Zion Church Cemetery.

Memorial donations are suggested to International Sharing Fund (to benefit Haiti) in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.