Cornelius Koehn Goertzen

My husband and our father, Cornelius Koehn Goertzen, was born to Jacob and Lena Koehn Goertzen, on October 26, 1939, at Camp 45, Chihuahua, Mexico. The last few years of his life he suffered from dementia leaving him dependent on others for his care. After a brief stay in the hospital last May, he was cared for at home until he peacefully departed from this life in the early morning hours of December 4, 2023, reaching the age of 84 years.
His early boyhood years were spent in Mexico. He told many interesting stories of his young days. At the age of fourteen, he and some of his brothers were brought to Inman, Kansas, where they began life anew. It was not long before he was joined by several more of his brothers and parents. Life had many challenges for his family as they adjusted to a new life in the United States. With little grasp of the English language, he entered the seventh grade which was his last year of formal education. He spent his service days working in the Denver General Hospital. He enjoyed his time and made some special friends.
Dad was baptized by Min. Reuben Koehn on February 20, 1955, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Over the years, he faced challenges in his walk with the Lord. Some years ago, he recommitted his life to the Lord and remained faithful until the end. Dad was not a man who praised his children, but he showed his love to us in other ways. His concern was that we would all be faithful so we could meet in Heaven.
On March 28, 1965, he married me, Verla Nightingale, at Chickasha, Oklahoma, by Min. Chester L. Koehn. We enjoyed the journey of life for fifty-eight years.
Dad and Mom lived at several different places through the years. They started married life at Inman, Kansas, then moved to Chickasha, Oklahoma. After about a year, they returned back to Inman. Dad was never one to shrink back from a challenge. He had many ideas, inventions, and dreams. His motto seemed to be, "If they can do it, we can too!" This led him to pursue many things from drywall finishing in Kansas to fulfilling a dream of being a dairy farmer in Wisconsin in 1978. When the dairying ended, he tried hogs and custom farming. In June of 1989, the family relocated to Mayfield, Kentucky. Here he tried his hand at raising tomatoes and cucumbers, dairy farming, cutting pallet lumber, operating a poultry egg farm, and the never-to-be-forgotten drywall finishing. He enjoyed life the most when his family was working around him. In 2021, Dad and Mom made their final move to Slaughters, Kentucky, where he resided until his death.
His survivors include his wife, Verla, Slaughters, KY; five daughters and two sons: Devona and Ken Friesen, Wingo, KY; Delora Aguilera, Madisonville, KY, and husband Rufino Aguilera of Mexico; Jeff and Tam Goertzen, Murray, KY; Ron and Becky Goertzen, Madisonville, KY; Renita and Noah Slabaugh, Slaughters, KY; Jodi and Roland Ensz, Hydro, OK; Kim and Darwin Koehn, Dresden, TN; thirty-one grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers: Herman and Jewel of Inman, KS, and David and Jolene of Lakin, KS; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, four sisters, two brothers-in-law, and one sister-in-law.
Funeral service will be at 9:30 am on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Mortons Gap Christian Church, Mortons Gap, KY with burial following at Onton Cemetery, Onton, KY. Visitation will be at the church on Friday, December 8, 2023 at 6-8 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St Anthony's Hospice, 2410 S Green St., Henderson KY 42420 in appreciation for their care.
A special thank you to St. Anthony's Hospice and caregiver, Daphne Smith, for the loving care they provided.