RODNEY JOE KOEHN (A.K.A. RODD)
April 19, 1944 - April 4, 2026
OBITUARY
Born in Newton, Kansas, Rodd Koehn was one of four siblings in a hard-working, farming family. Alongside his Parents, Jesse and Emma, he worshiped as a Holdeman Mennonite. Kenny was Rodd’s only brother, and they loved working the land in Halstead, KS. together. The four Koehn siblings often shared their childhood thoughts under the big old Elm tree in the yard. Even though he was full of mischief, quick to tease, and considered a rebel, Rodd loved his family, farm animals, pets and maintaining anything with a motor or engine. Rodd was also briefly married to a woman called Anne who belonged to the Mennonite faith.
When Rodd went to work for a Kansas excavation and road building company, he discovered his talent for running heavy equipment. Considering a lucrative offer from a California Contractor, Rodd moved to the west coast on a whim. Rodd tremendously enjoyed his job as a Finish Grader where he possessed the skill to translate a GPS layout into a complicated roadway or building pad. There, in California’s Central Valley, he lived for about 26 years until his death. He was much loved by his girlfriend and California native, Tracy, and she helped him explore many of the wonders of the west coast. Tracy considered Rodd her “Mr. Fix It”.
In 2015, Rodd sustained almost fatal injuries in a head-on vehicle crash that led to a three-month hospital stay. But Rodd recovered and was happy to retire at 65. Rodney loved his pick-up trucks. He took pride in modifying each one to a “custom ride”. Buck was Rodd’s favorite dog while in California. They were “best friends” for sure.
Rodd always spoke fondly of his Kansas roots and will be missed by a huge number of relatives there. He leaves behind a sister-in-law Laura, and his sisters Lenora (Ron) and Florene. He also leaves a nephew, Kendel (Deanna), and nieces, Denise (Chris), Saundra (Seth), Krista (Troy), and Karlita (Keith).
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Koehn family.