William Koehn Jr.

William Henry “Bill” Koehn Jr., 89, of Elkader, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2015, at his residence.

Bill was born October 26, 1925, in Communia to Rose (Behrens) and William C.F. Koehn.

He was united in marriage to Sharon Leete on February 8, 1958 at the Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader.  This marriage was blessed with two boys and two girls.

Bill served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II.  

After returning home he held several positions and had several employers.  He worked a number of years with Water Tower Paint and Repair and the State of Iowa Department of Transportation.  He retired after 20 years of working for the DOT.

Bill enjoyed fishing, coon hunting, and mushroom hunting, gardening, watching the eagles and telling stories. He also enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s sporting events, and soon was known as “their” grandpa too. 

Bill never met a stranger—he would talk to anyone-anytime-and by the time they were done talking they were good friends. 

Bill enjoyed delivering meals for the mealsite and visiting all the “old People” as he called them.   

Survivors include his wife Sharon, and three children; Jeff (Joan) Koehn, Elkader, Iowa: Kelly (Glenda) Koehn, Elgin, Iowa: Vickie Koehn, Iowa City; three brothers Ed (Anna Mae) Koehn, Dick (Ruth) and Milford (Muff) Koehn; one sister, Roselavon Matuska; Ten Grandchildren, Ty & Traci Koehn, Patrick Jones (Caytee Bartels) Jaci & Jay Wagner, Jeremy(Tayler) Koehn, Sam, Joe, Kyle and Cassie Koehn, Michael Heiden. Three Great Grandchildren- Braxsten Jones, Ellah Jones and Kendall Wagner. Also many nieces and nephews, and many countless friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jacqueline Koehn; his brothers Alvin, Ray and Leo Koehn, his sisters Evelyn Clark and Eileen Kuhse, and Susie his beloved dog.          18u18