Obituaries : Melvin Lee 'Bud' Koehn, 78, Vinton

Melvin Lee "Bud" Koehn, 78, of Vinton, died Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha due to complications of ALS. A memorial service will take place at a later date. Honoring Bud's wishes, his body will be cremated. Bud was born March 17, 1932, in Okeene, Oklahoma, the son of Eli and Susanna Theissen Koehn. He was raised and attended school in Okeene until his family moved to Van Horne, Iowa, during his high school years. Bud moved back to Okeene, but when he turned 18, he reunited with his family in Van Horne. Bud worked for area farmers until he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After his military service, Bud returned to Benton County and drove truck for a time before returning to school for mechanics. Bud was united in marriage with Kim Lerch. Although they later divorced, Kim was Bud’s caregiver during his illness. Bud was a member of the Emil H. Dutler American Legion Post 177 in Mt. Auburn and the VFW Post 8884 in Vinton. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing and woodworking. Bud is survived by one son, Rod, of Maine; one brother, Chuck (Kathy) Koehn of Idaho; four sisters: Sylvia (Dale) Merchant and Juanita "Dolly" (Chuck) Krivanek, both of Vinton; Betty (John) Fowler of Garrison, and June Eckhart of Van Horne; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and in-laws Marv, Marcia and Michael Lerch. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Eldon and Leslie; and one brother-in-law, Bob Eckhart. A memorial fund has been established. Cards may be sent to Kim Lerch, P.O. Box 224, Vinton, IA 52349. Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Bud and his family. Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.