William A. Koehn

William A. Koehn

William A. Koehn, 89, Topeka, died September 4, 2016. Bill was born June 24, 1927, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the son of William and Lillian Koehn.

Following graduation from high school In June, 1944, he entered the University of Nebraska. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June, 1945 and after his Naval service returned to the University of Nebraska where he graduated with a B.S. in Pharmacy. In his senior year he met Cherrie Ann Bengtson. They were married February 11, 1951, in Ponca, Nebraska.

They moved to Topeka where Bill was a pharmaceutical rep for Sharp and Dohme. Bill founded Medical Arts Pharmacy in the 1950's, which he operated until 1986 when the business was purchased by Stormont-Vail. He continued to work for them for ten years.

Bill enjoyed traveling abroad with Cherrie, hunting, fishing, tennis, golf, snow skiing, and attending K.U. athletic activities. Bill was a member of First Congregational Church, numerous professional organizations, Topeka Lodge # 17 AF & AM, DeMolay, Topeka Scottish Rite Bodies, Arab Shrine, and the Arab Boaters Unit. Bill was passionate about the Shrine organization, serving as the Potentate of Arab Shrine in 1988, on the East-West Shrine Bowl Committee for 15 years, and as President of the International Cabiri.

Survivors include his wife: Cherrie of the home; son and daughter-in-law: Brad and Cheryl Koehn; and grandchildren: Tyler, Brett, and Courtney Koehn. He was preceded in death by a son, Kevin, in 2000.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, September 9, 2016, at First Congregational Church, 1701 SW Collins, Topeka. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, Thursday, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW Tenth, Topeka followed by Masonic Services conducted by Topeka Lodge # 17, AF & AM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Arab Shrine Travel Fund, 1305 South Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612-1332.