Maureen Kohn

Rita Maureen Timmins was born on September 11, 1930, in her family's home in rural Kinglsey, IA. She is the second daughter of J. Emmett and Mary (Werthman) Timmins. She grew up in rural Plymouth, Woodbury and Cherokee counties. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Catholic High School in Cherokee in 1948, and was valedictorian of the senior class. Following her graduation, she worked at Timmins' Real Estate, JC Penney's and the Cherokee Mental Health Institute. Maureen married Donald A. Kohn on October 8, 1951. She and Donnie raised 8 children on the Kohn family farm in Rock Township, Cherokee County, IA. The family began attending the Visitation Maryhill Parish in 1952. Maureen became the song leader in 1967, and continued to do so until retiring from the position in 2007. She continued her stewardship at that time by singing the in I.C. Funeral Choir. Maureen was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and the Maryhill Guild. She was active within the church community by being an extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, lector, CCD teacher, and working on many church committees until the church was demolished by a storm in August of 2006. Through the Maryhill Parish, Maureen was blessed with many lifelong friends, including Fr. Gene Sitzmann and the members of her Birthday Club. She was devoted to Mother Mary, and prayed the Rosary daily. She also made rosaries for the Catholic missions. Maureen modeled her Catholic faith to her children and grandchildren. On November 23, 1974, Maureen lost her husband, Donnie--leaving her with three college-aged children and five younger children still at home. She and the children continued farming with the assistance of her brother-in-law, Marvin Kohn, and nephew, Leo. Maureen re-entered the workforce shortly after Donnie's death, working for Simonsen Manufacturing in Quimby, IA. She retired in 2001. In 1993, she moved from the farm into town, living in a little brown house in Spring Lake Park. She lived in the park until 2013, when her home was damaged in the flood on Memorial Day. At that time, she relocated to Countryside Assisted Living. Maureen enjoyed gardening, singing at local nursing homes, reading, country music and cross-stitching. She rarely kept her stitching creations to herself, often sharing them with friends and family. She was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the Oakland Raiders. She attended their games in Kansas City with her son, Steven and his family. Maureen enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren--especially annual picnics at the little brown house following the Rodeo Parade and prior to the Fourth of July Fireworks in the park. Survivors include her children: Daniel Kohn of Sioux City, IA, Paula Kohn of Sioux City, IA, Marty (Melissa) Kohn of Cherokee, Steve (Patty) Kohn of Spring Hill, KS, Mary Ann (Jock) Rollison of McCook Lake, SD, Chris (Nancy)Kohn of Quimby, IA, and Gerard (Donna) Kohn of Cherokee, IA; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Marianne Timmins, Connie Baum and Kathy Duddy; sister-in-law Kitty Kohn; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. Maureen was preceded in death by her husband, Donnie, a son, Michael, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. The family suggests donations in Maureen's name be directed to the Maryhill Rosary Shrine through the Immaculate Conception Church, or to the Wounded Warriors Project.

SERVICES

OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

VISITATION

MUSIC

INTERMENT