Maryellyn Stenzel

Maryellyn Koehn Stenzel was born April 16,1939, to Harry and Freda Unruh Koehn at McPherson, Kansas. The final chapter of her life was closed on October 28, 2024, at Moundridge Manor, Moundridge, Kansas.

Maryellyn’s childhood and formative years were on the family farm northwest of Lehigh, Kansas. She attended the Waldeck school and graduated from Lehigh High School in 1957. She then pursued a career in nursing, graduating from Bethel Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in 1961. Her first employment was at Mercy Hospital in Moundridge, Kansas as an RN for a number of years, then as an office nurse at Moundridge Clinic. She enjoyed these years, as they afforded her opportunity to exercise her kind and compassionate mannerism.

When Maryellyn was 14 years old, she felt God was calling her to be a Christian. She was baptized, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, at the Lone Tree Congregation on February 3, 1953. Several days before her passing, she referred back to this experience, expressing an appreciation of the relief she had felt at that time. In her journey of life, she encountered challenges, difficulties, and disappointments. The many markings in her Bible show that in these times she sought direction and comfort in the Scriptures.

On September 20, 1974, she was married to Archie L. Stenzel. They made their home at Marion, Kansas, and she became a homemaker. She especially enjoyed the outdoors and observing nature. She filled her time tending to her flower gardens, taking care of pets, and pursuing her interests in embroidery work and painting.

After 48 years of marriage, Archie passed away on January 7, 2022. She continued living in her home in the country, and especially appreciated the kindness of her dear neighbors. In July of 2024, it became apparent that she no longer could care for herself alone, so with a bit of reluctance, she was admitted to a care home. 

In her last days she acknowledged her failings and expressed her hope in the Mercy and Blood of Jesus.

Surviving her are: stepson Timothy Stenzel of El Dorado, Kansas, two brothers, Verlin and Velma Koehn of Almena, Wisconsin, Maynard and Ruth Koehn of Inman, Kansas, one sister Velma Jean Buller of Cyrus, Minnesota, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Her husband, parents, one brother-in-law Delbert Buller, and one stepson preceded her in death.