In Loving Memory
Alfred E. Koekenhoff
February 11, 1926 - February 16, 2021

VISITATION
Saturday, February 20, 2021
9:00 - 11:00 A.M.
Martin-Mattice funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

SERVICE
Saturday, February 20, 2021
11:00 A.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Bill Schreiber
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

INTERMENT
Jack Creek Cemetery
Wallingford, Iowa

Alfred Erich Koekenhoff, son of Carl and Josephine (Chrza) Koekenhoff, was born February 11, 1926 near Mallard, Iowa.  The family moved to a farm near Emmetsburg where Alfred received his education.  Following his education Alfred began farming in the area.

Alfred enlisted in the United States Marines and was inducted on January 17, 1952.  He served during the Korean War was honorably discharged on September 25, 1953.  He returned to Palo Alto County where he continued to farm.

On September 14, 1954 Alfred was united in marriage to JoAnn Gruber at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Emmetsburg.  To this union two sons were born.  Alfred and JoAnn moved to their farm near Graettinger in 1966 where they made their home.

Alfred loved farming and raising livestock.  He was a hard working individual and a great steward of the land.  There was never a job too difficult for Alfred to tackle.  One of his favorite jobs on the farm was picking rock.  He continued farming until he was 92 years old.

When Alfred was asked  if he was ever going to take time off from farming his response was often, "Maybe when I'm 65 I'll take a half day and go fishing."  Then after he turned 65 he said, "Maybe when I'm 95."  Hopefully Alfred is fishing now.  He and JoAnn never traveled outside of the United States because once Alfred returned from Korea he said he would never leave the United States again.

Alfred and JoAnn loved to play cards and to share news that they heard.  It was always a race to see who could share faster.  JoAnn would be on the telephone and Alfred would be in his Cadillac racing off to find David and Carl to share his news.  Alfred was a devoted and loving husband to JoAnn and cared for her during her illness.  He never left her side.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Graettinger and American Legion Post #37 in Graettinger.

Alfred passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Home in Albert Lea, Minnesota, at the age of 95.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, JoAnn; a son, Carl; two sisters, Helen Koekenhoff in infancy and Margaret Opheim.

He is survived by his son, David Koekenhoff (Leah Anderson); a granddaughter, Caroline (Michael) Linde and their son, Logan; step granddaughter, Lily Anderson; daughter-in-law, Julie (Josh) Joyce; granddaughter, Sasha Koekenhoff (Brandon Mortenson) and their son, Ryker; grandson, Cody Koekenhoff; step granddaughter, Jadyn Joyce; as well as other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home