Jimmie (Jim) Lee Kehn

Jimmie (Jim) Lee Kehn was born in Dodge City, KS, on October 17, 1949, to Sam and Ruth Koehn Kehn. He passed away peacefully on December 3, 2023, in his room at Western Prairie Senior Living. He was seventy-four years old.

He started school at Copeland KS. He then attended Garfield Elementary and later the Alta Brown Elementary school in Garden City. After his family moved from Garden City to eastern Grant County to start farming, he finished his elementary education at Red Rock School.

Dad gave his heart to God at the age of 13. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, on February 17, 1963, by Minister Sam Jantzen. Being an obedient follower of Christ’s teachings was always important to him. He read the entire Bible many times. Later in life as often as twice a year. Shortly before his death he had a beautiful vision that reassured him of his relationship with Christ.

As a young adult, he served two years in 1-W service at the hospital in Halstead KS. That is how he met our mother, Anita Dirks. They were married on January 11, 1970. They lived in Halstead until Dad finished his time of service at the hospital. They then moved to Ulysses so Dad could help on the farm.

Dad worked hard at a number of vocations throughout his life. He farmed and later was a mechanic at Moody’s Engine Service. He was also a mechanic at Coop Car Care, and later at Innermotion. He very much enjoyed his last job at the maintenance department for USD 214.

Dad made thoughtful choices and most always had a good reason for doing whatever he did.

He expressed his loves, interests, and passions with his hands rather than words. He engaged in his work and his hobbies with the mind of a craftsman. He found much fulfillment in producing high quality work.

His retirement years were some of the most wonderful of his life. He and mom formed many strong friendships with the vendors and customers at the many craft shows they attended. He thoroughly enjoyed working in his woodshop making items to sell. He was able to enjoy this blessing until the last couple months of his life.

His survivors include his wife, Anita; two sons: Patrick and Rebeca, Lakin, KS, and Toby and Anne, Ulysses, KS; two grandchildren: Athena and Aden; brothers: Victor and Joyce Kehn, and Joe and Rita Kehn; sisters: Sherri Kehn; and Jonetta and Rod Yost; and two special girls that have become family, Rachel Anderson and Jenny Hernadez.

He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 10:30 AM at the Grant Mennonite Church in rural Grant County with Minister Denton Koehn, Minister Stuart Jantzen, and Minister Gary Schmidt officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 12:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Interment will follow at the Grant Mennonite Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.