Arvel Koehn

Arvel Elton Koehn passed away from natural causes on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at 92 years of age at Jamestown, ND. Arvel was born March 3, 1929, to Arthur and Mable (Williams) Koehn of Eldridge, ND. He attended Lippert township school in Section 29 and graduated from Jamestown High School in 1947. After high school, he started working at the First James River National Bank as bookkeeper/teller. While working in the bank, he also enlisted in the National Guard Battery C, 188th Field Artillery Battalion from January 1, 1951 to October 16,1952. He was stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he attained the rank of Corporal. Over the next 20+ years in the banking industry, he advanced to Vice President. In 1967 he turned in his keys to become a fulltime farmer.

Arvel met Marilyn Musburger while they were working at the bank. They were married on November 29, 1952 and made their home in Jamestown. Three children were born to this union- Kevin, Lyn and Steven.

His passion for farming was to raise high-quality Hereford cattle and grow bountiful crops. He also wanted to make sure those crop rows were straight as an arrow (long before the advent of GPS).

Arvel served on many boards during his lifetime. Among them were the Windsor Elevator/ Prairie Coop/ Country Grain Cooperative boards as secretary for many years. The Bloom Oil Company (now Creative Energy) board as secretary, Lippert township supervisor, and as a deacon and elder of the United Presbyterian Church in Jamestown.

He enjoyed bowling for many years in the Tuesday night league. He and Marilyn had a large social circle and played in many bridge clubs. Arvel was honored for 50 years of membership in the American Legion in May of 2019.  Arvel proudly provided information to the Atmospheric Resource Board Cooperative Observation Network for 34 years.

Arvel is survived by his children Kevin (Colleen Cebula) Koehn, Jamestown; Carro Lynel (Larren) Boyd, Golden Valley, MN; and Steven and Terry Koehn, Jamestown. Grandchildren- Jill (Andy) Betsinger, Ramsey, MN; Andrew Koehn, Jamestown; Crystal Boyd (Jim Falbo), Burnsville, MN; Brian Boyd, Golden Valley, MN; and Phillip Koehn, Jamestown. Great-Grandpa Arvel had a special twinkle in his eye for his two great grandchildren, Josie and Grant Betsinger.

Arvel was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Mable Koehn, baby sister Myrna Marie, wife Marilyn, father-in-law Lloyd Musburger, DDS; mother-in-law Carro Buchanan Musburger and step mother-in-law Frena Wegenke Musburger, RN.

Funeral Service – 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the United Presbyterian Church, Jamestown, with Pastor Bob Boyar officiating.

Visitation – One hour before the funeral at the church.

Burial – Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown at a later date.