Dorothy Wedel

Our Mother, Dorothy (Koehn) Wedel, was born January 16, 1929 to Peter T. and Mary (Unruh) Koehn. She was born and grew to womanhood at Montezuma, Kansas. Mom crossed over to her eternal reward on August 20, 2019 at the Bethel Home in Montezuma, Kansas, reaching the age of 90 years.

She grew up on a farm north of Montezuma, Kansas. At 4 years of age her mother was burned badly and died shortly thereafter. This was a very vivid memory of Moms and her growing up years were difficult. She went to school at Montezuma, receiving an 8th grade education.

Mom was baptized at 14 years of age into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. Her desire and goal in life was to be saved. Also, that her children and grandchildren be saved. In July of 1952 she moved to Livingston, California to work. Shortly thereafter she met Louis Wedel. On October 5, 1952 they were married by minister Jesse Koehn at Livingston, California. They shared nearly 58 years of married life. Dad passed suddenly on August 19, 2010, leaving mom lonely.

They were blessed with six sons and one daughter. Mom often went out and worked with her sons while Dad worked at a factory job. They lived in various congregations, in 1968 they moved from California to Walker, Missouri. Then to Geiger, Alabama in 1973 where all seven of their children were married. In 1989 they moved to Monterey, Tennessee, making that they’re home. They enjoyed many friendships there.

Mom was a good mother and she cooked many a tasty meal. Fried chicken and pie were her specialty. As she aged and her health declined, she willingly went to Bethel Home, where she lived the last seven years of her life. We as a family very much appreciate the love and care given to our mother by the staff at Bethel Home.

Left with love and memories are her children; Roger and Patricia Wedel of Mayfield, Kentucky, Garold and Leah Wedel of Texhoma, Texas, Chester and Sandra Wedel of Walker, Missouri, Don and Donna Wedel of Mize, Mississippi, Ron and Donna Wedel of Burns, Oregon, Mary and Lonnie Toews of Hammond, Illinois and Alvin and Charmaine Wedel of Fulton, Kentucky. She is also survived by her 30 grandchildren and 57 great grandchildren; a brother, Dean Koehn; five sisters, Shirley Deutchendorf, Rose and Melvin Wedel, Geneva and Jim Chappel, Jane and Delbert Fast, and Clara Smith; two brother-in-laws, Floyd Koehn and Frank Schmidt; and two sister-in-laws, Ruby Koehn and Deloris Koehn.

Funeral service will be held at the Prairie Mennonite Church, Arthur, Illinois on Sunday August 25, 2019 at 10:30 AM.  Burial will follow at Prairie Mennonite Cemetery in Arthur, Illinois. Visitation will be at the Bethel Home on Thursday August 22, 2019 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM and at the Prairie Mennonite Church on Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to the Bethel Home in care of the funeral home.