Elizabeth (Betty) Louise Koehne

Elizabeth “Betty” Louise Koehne passed away at the Park Rapids hospital in Park Rapids, MN on Monday July 10th, 2023 at the age of 70. Betty was born on November 7th 1952 in Jackson, MN to Roland and Lila Belle (Freemire) Koffron. Betty grew up in the community of Jackson and was a graduate of the class of 1970. After high school she attended the Stewart School of Cosmetology in Sioux Falls, SD. She began her career as a hair dresser and moved back to Jackson; later changing her career path into the food industry managing a local pizza restaurant where she met and married Steve Koehne on April 21, 1979 at the Jackson United Methodist Church. She then worked as a breakfast chef at the Best Western hotel and restaurant for 20+ years. In 2000 Betty and Steve were called to leave Jackson as Steve began his journey as a licensed local pastor at the Oakwood UMC in New Ulm, MN. There Betty worked as a breakfast chef at the Holiday Inn hotel and restaurant. In 2010 Betty and Steve moved to Menahga, MN where Steve was pastor of both Sebeka and Menahga UMC churches, Betty again was moved to work part time as a breakfast chef at the local Hub 71 restaurant in Sebeka. Betty was challenged with several serious health issues throughout her lifetime. She was a 30+ year breast cancer survivor and had open heart surgery. She also overcame several other surgeries and health issues throughout her life. In spite of many health issues, Betty enjoyed several aspects of life always with a smile on her face. Her four Grandchildren were the priority of her life. If she wasn’t baking, decorating her home, or watching old western TV shows; she enjoyed sunflowers, collecting Betty Boop memorabilia, flowers, anything in the color of yellow, fishing with Steve, and watching the eagles and loons. She was a member of several different church groups and other activities including Wadena County Homemakers and PEO International, of which she was a member in Jackson, New Ulm, and Park Rapids. Betty is survived by her husband of 44 years Steve; Sons Chris Koehne (Rachel Krosch) Jackson, MN; Matthew Koehne (Natalie Koehne) Fridley, MN; four grandchildren: Nicolas Koehne, Cameron Koehne, Sawyer Koehne, and Violet Koehne: Sister Mary (Howard) Goltz of Ennis, MT; Nephews Kurt and Kyle Goltz. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Sunday, July 16, 2023 at Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN. Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM Monday, July 17, 2023 at Living Hope Family Church in Sebeka, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. A visitation and prayer service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at the United Methodist Church in Jackson, MN. Interment will be at 2:30 PM on July 18, 2023 at Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, MN. "In lieu of flowers. Please donate to the American cancer society"