Elmer J. Koehn

Life Sketch for Elmer Koehn

Elmer Koehn, 88, died on Sunday, September 20th at Asbury Park in Newton.

Elmer was born on December 5, 1926 to Henry and Sarah Koehn in rural Marion.

Elmer married Delphia A. Pjesky on August 7, 1949 in Halstead, Kansas. They were married 56 years until her death, August 15, 2005.

Elmer grew up in the depression under very difficult times on the farm. He attended and graduated from Goessel High School in 1945. He attended The Municipal University of Wichita, now Wichita State University, and studied music and trombone for two years. He played trombone in the Wichita Symphony Orchestra for two seasons and was active in the Newton City Band with Garry Fletcher for many years. After school he worked as a salesman for Spine’s Clothing and Toev’s Menswear of Newton for 11 years. Elmer owned and operated the J.K. Optical Dispenser for 35 years. After he retired he was the primary care giver for his wife until her passing.

He is survived by his children: Joel Koehn and Evalie Ainsworth of Newton; grandson, Jon Ainsworth; sister: Ruth Collins.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Delphia Koehn; stillborn son: Jon Eric Koehn parents: Henry and Sarah Koehn; and brother: Ernie Koehn

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23rd at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton. A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 9:00 PM on Tuesday, September 22nd at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton.

The family would like to especially thank Dr. Dwight Wheeler and his staff and the Asbury Park staff for the care they provided in Elmer’s later years.
Petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com.