Vivian M.
Koehn (Van Dyke), formerly of Appleton, Wisconsin, died at her residence at The
Shores of Sheboygan on Friday morning, February 22, 2019. Vivian was born on
September 16, 1923, to John and Hulda (Radies) Van Dyke and grew up in Little
Chute, Wisconsin. She attended Kimberly High School. In July 1950 she married
her high school sweetheart, James J. Koehn, and they enjoyed fifty-two
wonderful years together.
As a young
woman, Vivian was one of the first women to be nominated as a member of the
Little Chute Community Band. She also served as drum majorette and taught
twirling lessons. Vivian worked for a short time in the research department of
Kimberly Clark Corporation, and also taught Sunday School. Later in life Vivian
took up running and had great success, setting records and winning many state
and national awards (including gold medals at the National Senior Olympics).
Her greatest
joy in life, however, was her family. She adored her husband, children, and
grandchildren and wanted nothing more than to just spend time with them. She
delighted in their accomplishments and was so very proud of them.
Vivian is
survived by her daughter Candice (Steven) Griffith, son James (Bettina) Koehn
II, grandchildren Nathan Griffith, Matthew Griffith, Brooke Koehn, Dylan Koehn,
and Brad Koehn, and great-grandchildren Eli and Miles Koehn. She was preceded
in death by her husband James Koehn, her son Kimet James Koehn, her parents, brothers
Harold (Helen) Van Dyke and Laverne (Nancy) Van Dyke, and her sisters Phyllis
(Miles) McClone and June (Gene) Josephs.
Vivian had a
very kind, loving heart and always was pleasant, gracious and caring to all she
knew. She will be deeply missed.
The family
is grateful to the staff of The Shores of Sheboygan and Terrace Place, who were
so kind to and took such good care of Vivian. She was always so appreciative of
all you did.
Vivian's
life will be celebrated in a private graveside service. She will be laid to
rest at Wildwood Cemetery next to her husband Jim, united once again. Please visit
www.ballhornchapels.com
to
send email condolences.
