Alvena S. Koehnk, 97, Everly

Memorial services for Alvena S. Koehnk will be held at a later date, with Pastor Dan Taylor officiating. Interment will be in Lone Tree Cemetery at Everly. Warner Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.

Alvena Susan Koehnk, the daughter of Johannes and Fannie (Engelkes) Winterboer, was born Dec. 27, 1922, in Everly. Her childhood years were spent in the Grundy County and Everly areas. She graduated from Everly High School in 1940 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education from Buena Vista College.

Alvena married Raymond Koehnk on Aug. 14, 1943. She was a lifelong educator, beginning her career in a one-room schoolhouse. She especially enjoyed her role in Everly leading the school’s art education efforts for many years. She had many creative interests including weaving, painting, modeling and writing. She was proud to have served as the director of Everly Community Education and as a member of the Iowa Arts Council, Spencer Area Arts Council and Arts on Grand.

Alvena passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, at Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley, at the age of 97. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; daughter, Susan; infant daughter, Ann; and one sister, Bernice Melohn.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Scott (Diane) Koehnk; three grandchildren: Travis Decker, Anna Koehnk and Mary Koehnk; and many special nieces, nephews and friends.