3/10/2023 8:51:00 AM Celebration of Life for Gordy Koehn March 14 at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville
Gordon "Gordy" Koehn, 85, a longtime Stewartville resident, died unexpectedly of natural causes, on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at his home. Gordon Leroy Koehn was born on May 2, 1937, in Fargo, North Dakota to George and Florence (Gordon) Koehn. He grew up in Grove City, graduating from Grove City High School in 1954. He attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, earning a bachelor of music degree and obtained a master's from Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. Gordon was married on Aug. 16, 1959, in Long Prairie, to Ayleen "Amy" Bergh at her parents' home. After their wedding, they traveled to Stewartville where Amy began teaching home economics, and Gordy was hired as the new music teacher. They made their home in Stewartville, where they raised their children, taught for 35 years until retirement and have continued to live. Gordy also worked in construction and taught piano and organ lessons. He directed the Rochester Male Chorus for a number of years. Gordy played organ at Zion Lutheran Church for over 60 years and was very active with volunteer events there. He was a longtime Stewartville Lions Club member, serving currently as its treasurer and was a past recipient of the Melvin Jones Award. He and Amy volunteered with Meals on Wheels in Stewartville. Gordy enjoyed golf and was an avid Minnesota sports and Stewartville Tiger fan. He ran the clock for over 60 years at Tiger sports. He and Amy enjoyed traveling south in the winter, and he particularly enjoyed trips to Scotland, being a proud Scot! He enjoyed going to coffee, visiting with friends and neighbors and loved time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was proud of his family, faith, and community. Gordy is survived by his wife of over 63 years, Amy; four daughters and one son, Karin (Dave) Lundberg of Shakopee, Paul (Petra) of Wayzata, Kris (Gary) Peterson of Rochester, Kathy (Mark) Illa of Cannon Falls, and Connie (Jason) Berg of Farmington; eight grandchildren, Phillip (Jamie) Lundberg, Kari (Britton) Smith, Hallie Koehn, Lucas Berg, Erik Peterson, Isaac Illa, Evan Peterson, and Kyle Berg; three great- grandchildren, Leo and Patrick Lundberg and Britton Smith III; one brother, Larry (Sarah) Koehn of Gulfport, Mississippi; two sisters-in-law, Karen Bergh of Woodbury and Connie (Duane) Wallin of Indianapolis, Indiana; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Koehn and his wife Donna; and brother-in-law, Allen Bergh. A Celebration of Life for Gordy will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville with Rev. Tim Bowman and Rev. Ally Bowman officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Zion Lutheran Church's website. A private family burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Stewartville at a later date. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday morning. Gordy's family suggests memorials to Zion Lutheran Church. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Gordy are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.
