Viola Koehn

Viola Koehn, 98, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. For those who would like to pay their respects, Viola will lie in state from 7:00 am until 8:00 pm on Thursday, April 8, at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Graveside services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery on Friday, April 9, at 1:00 pm with Rev. Karen Buck officiating.

Viola was born on July 2, 1922, to parents Louis and Clara (Werchan) Richter of Gay Hill. She was baptized August 13, 1922, and confirmed on October 25, 1936, both at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Gay Hill. Viola grew up on the family farm and attended local schools.

On November 20, 1941, Viola was united in marriage to Lonnie Koehn, at her childhood church home, St. Peter’s. They made their home in Brenham. Viola and Lonnie were blessed with two children, Don and Sharon.

Viola enjoyed gardening, sewing, and watching Astros games. She was also involved in the A+M Mother’s Club and she sang in the choir at Zion Lutheran Church. Viola was employed as a cook at Harrisburg School for many years. She also worked at Ellison’s Greenhouses, and she was a co-owner of Kiddie Korner Day Care. Later in life she helped her daughter and grandson at their restaurant, On Deck.

In later years, Viola continued to enjoy watching her A+M football games, Astros, and Lady Aggie Softball teams. She also enjoyed making trips to Louisiana.

Viola is preceded in death by her husband Lonnie; son-in-law Allen Bender; grandson Brad Bender. Surviving her are her children, Don Koehn (wife Sandy), Sharon Bender; grandchildren Garrett Koehn (wife Marlene), Kristofer “Tiff” Koehn (wife Kelly), Ryan Bender; great-grandchildren Pierce Koehn, Phineas Koehn, Dessie Koehn, Aria Koehn, Kasper Koehn, and Hunter Bender.

Serving as pallbearers: James Richter, Mike Koehn, Ryan Bender, Garrett Koehn, Boyd Euckert, Hunter Bender.

If you’d like to make a donation in memory of Viola, please consider Allumine Hospice or her church, Zion Lutheran Church.