Harper L. Koehne, 89, of Hallettsville, passed away Sept. 13, 2009. He was born on Mar. 3, 1920 to Gus & Lizzie Schmook Koehne Sr. near Vsetin Community in Lavaca County. He married Evelyn Vasek Koehne on Apr. 29, 1941 in Rockport TX. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Sublime.

Harper was a farmer and rancher all of his life. He raised peanuts, corn, and milo. He always enjoyed his gardening and deer hunting. When his health started to fail, he gave up the farming. He continued raising his cattle and chickens by driving a 4-wheeler. He loved telling his stories about working cattle on horseback in his younger days to anyone who would listen. He enjoyed watching the squirrels, birds, and cottontails at the feeders from his living room window. He always looked forward to visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and enjoyed all the family gatherings. The family of Harper would like to thank all of the family and friends for their love and prayers.

Harper is survived by: his wife Evelyn of 68 years; 2 sons, Leon Koehne & wife Carol, and Marvin Koehne & wife Barbara; daughter Nettie Mertz all of Hallettsville; 3 half brothers, Monroe Koehne of Marble Falls, TX, Harvey Koehne of Laurel, MS, and Charles Koehne of Hallettsville; 6 grandchildren, Steven Koehne & wife Shandlyn, Justin Koehne & wife Lisa, Devin Mertz, Amy Wegener & husband Darrin, Mandy Mertz, and Dr. Jaclyn Smith & husband Scot; and 7 great grandchildren, Kelton Koehne, Korbin Koehne, Landon Koehne, Dawson Smith, Lauren Koehne, Brenna Smith, and Ashley Trussell.

Harper was preceded in death by: his parents; grandson Clayton Lee Koehne; 2 brothers, Leonard and Gussie Jr. Koehne; and 2 sisters, Agnes Woytek and Matilda Heinsohn.

Funeral: 10 am, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009 at Sublime Zion Lutheran Church. Visitation: 2 pm, Tuesday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Prayer Service: 7 pm, Tuesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Pallbearers: Steven Koehne, Justin Koehne, Scot Smith, Devin Mertz, Kenneth Mertz, and Darrin Wegener. Officiate: Rev. Herb Beyer. Memorials: Sublime Zion Lutheran Church. Burial: Hallettsville City Cemetery.