Jean Koehler, 95, of Perham (formerly New York Mills), passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 12, 2026, at Hadley House of Perham under the care of Vivie Hospice. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in New York Mills. Jean was laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery, New York Mills.

Jean Ione Petersen, 95, was born on September 14, 1931, in New York Mills, Minnesota to Harry and Leona Petersen. At 14, she learned the song “Living for Jesus” at Bible camp, a song that would stay with her and shape the way she lived her entire life.

In 1948, she went on a blind date and met the love of her life, Norman. They married in 1952 and moved to the Duluth area before eventually settling in Homestead Township as dairy farmers. She proudly introduced herself as “a farmer’s daughter and a farmer’s wife.” When she wasn’t milking cows, she enjoyed long phone calls, cooking meals for the people she loved, sewing and embroidering, and, of course, shopping. When asked by Norman if she had bought something on sale, she’d say, “nope, I paid full price!”

Among Jean’s many words of wisdom: “You can never buy too much fabric,” “There is no ailment a cough drop can’t fix.” And that every day is “such a good day.”

ean is preceded in death by her husband Norman; son Loren; and parents Harry and Leona; brothers Orin and Glen; sisters: Veryl, Loretta, and Lorna

Jean is loved by her children, Lynn (Steve) Johnson, LeAnn (Casey) Hughes, and Naomi (John) Grimested; eight grandchildren: Kari (Mike), Matthew (Jessica), Alexis (Andy), Whitney (Tyler), Lindsay (Adam), Channing, Tristan (Vanessa), and Nicolle; daughter-in-law Rhonda Koehler; and 16 great-grandchildren: Leah, Levi, Hadley, Bennett, Jada, Jett, Jemma, Jax, Jade Gretta, Leo, Ripley, Montana, Norah, Isabelle, and Alexandra; sister Mary Anderson; brother-in-law Duane “Buzzer” (Ruth) Koehler; sister-in-law: Bernice Koehler Johnson; nieces and nephews and a host of friends, all of whom will treasure and carry on her legacy—one of joy, faith, and a healthy dose of practicality.

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Jean’s Tribute Wall.

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of New York Mills.