Robert Leroy Koehn

Robert Leroy Koehn was born September 1, 1948 to Vernard and Ruby Lee Koehn (Kohen). He entered his heavenly home on October 2, 2025. The parents had established themselves on a family farm northwest of Meno, Oklahoma in 1941 and upon leaving the hospital was taken there to be raised with other siblings. Living and working on the farm instilled values that he carried throughout his life.

Robert attended Meno Grade School through eighth grade and then Oklahoma Bible Academy to graduation in 1966. Robert's parents placed a high priority on educating their children in a Christian based setting and were able to accomplish that goal with all five of their children.

Following high school Robert enrolled at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma first looking to study Accounting but changed focus to study Religion in the second semester. An emphasis on Christian service in high school years made for that change of direction. The goal being to pursue pastoral leadership.

Robert met Nancy Kay Schmidt at Oklahoma Bible Academy and their first date was to a school Halloween party at the Gloss Mountains. It may have been a spooky experience for her but it was the beginning of a long lasting relationship. On August 17, 1968 Robert and Nancy were married at Herold Mennonite Church with Re., John Arn officiating.

The young couple established their first home in Enid, Oklahoma where Robert was working at Central Machine and Tool company in the PT Coupling division. A short time later Robert began working at Gold Spot Dairy in the Ice Cream Department.

Upon graduation from Phillips University Robert accepted his first pastoral position at Medford Mennonite Church, Medford, Oklahoma, driving there every weekend to serve that congregation.

In the Fall of 1971 Nancy and Robert moved to Elkhart, Indiana where Robert had enrolled at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries in pursuit of completing a Master Of Divinity degree and the intention to become a Mennonite pastor. In 1974, the degree not quite complete, Bob was given the opportunity to enter an internship at First Mennonite Church in Reedley, California and to complete his degree at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary at Fresno California. Bob continued in the pastoral ministry for four years, finding the leadership position challenging and growth producing. Youth ministry and education were the focus of the first two years and full pastoral leadership the following two. Along with the work, living in California provided the beginning of a spiritual journey which lasted the remainder of his life. Numerous trips to the coast and to the Sierra Nevada mountains always gave insight into the grandeur of God and was always the source for insightful spiritual contemplation. Life-long friendships were established as well.

During the summer of 1972 Bob and Nancy joined a Youth for Christ group for a bicycle tour of Southern France organized by brother Verlin Koehn. Geographical sights, ancient towns and insights into the Roman occupation of that country plus insights into the Christian church of that time were most fulfilling. The trip ended in Paris France and the many sights that city has to offer.

In 1978 Bob and Nancy moved back to Oklahoma, specifically to Cordell. Feeling the need for a career change Bob found himself back on the farm working with his father-in-law Louis Schmidt and as a welder for Javorsky Welding. The opportunity to work with Louis was a great learning experience to develop skills in farming, carpentry and machinery for which he was forever grateful. Louis's patience and kindness had a lasting effect on Bob.

In the early 1980's Bob was given the opportunity to establish the Koehn Insurance Agency in Cordell, which he operated out of his home until an office was purchased and remodeled at 104 East Main on the Cordell square. Bob loved the insurance business and the challenges it presented in assisting clients with their insurance needs.

Later in the 1980's Bob was asked by the Mennonite Indian Leaders Council of Oklahoma to serve as pastor in four congregations, serving at one of the churches on consecutive Sundays. He found it a privilege to serve in that role and gained the greatest respect for the Cheyenne/Arapaho people of Oklahoma. His respect for all native peoples was lifted and it became a desire to support Native causes wherever he could for the rest of life. Their graciousness, integrity and insight taught him much about the Christian faith and his relationship with Christ. He has been forever indebted to them for the insights received.

In 1984 Bob, Nancy and friend Lois Strole, from Reedley, California, pursued a dream (which developed while living in Reedley) of riding bicycles across the country. In late May

1984 Nancy and Bob loaded bicycles and gear and along with brother Glenn drove to Moro Bay, California to begin the trip. Their journey took them 3,460 miles. The three returned home just in time for Nancy to begin the 84/85 school year. The experience was life altering and fulfilling. The trio was forever grateful for the opportunity.

Devastating news was received in 2007 when Nancy was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer.

She pursued treatment, continued to teach and lived with strength and courage until her retirement and untimely death on September 26, 2009. Bob became an active member of Herold Mennonite Church in 1978 where he served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Youth leader, Men's Organization leader, Treasurer, Trustee, Choir Member, Music leader and other positions. He always loved and supported the congregation to best of his ability.

In May 2011 Bob married Jennifer Hart which made for some life transition, attendance at a Native American Mennonite Church and a move from Cordell to a new home near Elk City, Oklahoma. With regret the marriage did not succeed and ended in August 2014.

An incredible event occurred in January 2016. Bob was continuing to recover from the broken marriage and a lovely lady, Katherine Parker Bell, was basically finished with marriage relationships. Not knowing the power of matchmaker friends Bob and Kathy agreed to meet at church where the two attended. A time out together was set for a couple days later. At that first meeting, on the way to dinner together, Bob mustered all the honest courage he could and shared with Kathy that he had been arrested for domestic violence and she must be made aware in order for her to make the best decisions regarding any relationship. Her response, "I don't scare easily" Immediately Bob knew, along with some other shared details, that Kathy was a person of intelligence and integrity. And I guess she doesn't scare easily because in the last nine years a companionship has grown which has simply been unbelievable. Bob finds it hard to believe the openness the couple has shared which has led to all kinds of fun, challenging and growing experiences together. Even an evening out fishing, always a competition on number or size of fish, led to a growing relationship. Bob has found it impossible to believe that this relationship was anything but God ordained. Even in the days of approaching death from Pancreatic cancer her support and kindness blessed him to the full.

Bob found great peace in pursuing life on an acreage north of Elk City to where he had moved with Jennifer. Opportunities for hunting in Colorado and Oklahoma with best Mountain Man friend, Jud Regier, exploring through camping and campfire cooking provided some of his best memories. These experiences allowed Bob to appreciate the wonder and goodness of God's beauty in it's natural state. Bob developed hobby skills as well, such as forging, knife making, butchering, hide tanning and furniture making. These crafts brought great joy and fulfillment to him.

Bob took great pleasure in hosting an annual fishing trip, first at Elmer Sawatzky's pond and later at Crowder Lake. That annual event has continued for nearly thirty years and has provided for great family interaction and fun.

Bob wishes to thank all family and friends who have participated on this journey of life. We have experienced the loving presence of God and together we are all blessed. He passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on October 2, 2025 a month after celebrating his 77th birthday.

Survivors include:

Companion: Kathy Bell, Elk City, OK

Brothers: Jerry Koehn, Enid, OK

Dale Koehn & wife, Vernelle, Kansas

Verlin Koehn & wife, Verna, Enid, OK

Glenn Koehn, Meno, OK

Fur baby: Tiger

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents: Vernard & Ruby Koehn, and first wife: Nancy Koehn.

Family asks that if you have any handcrafted pieces made by Robert, you are welcome to bring them for display at the service.

Memorial: 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Herold Mennonite Church, Bessie, OK

Under the direction of Ray & Martha's Funeral Home, Cordell, OK