Jon Patrick Koehmstedt

Jon: A Gift from God

Jon was a devoted friend, educator, mentor, counselor, coach, loving son, brother, nephew, uncle and cousin. But his greatest passion in life was being the “Best Dad Ever” to his two children, Harper and Kase. A passion he truly fulfilled.

Jon Patrick Koehmstedt, age 41, of Grafton, ND, passed away tragically on Saturday, August 9th at Cass Lake, MN, as a result of a drowning accident.

Jon was born on May 25th, 1984, in Grafton ND to Patrick and Colleen (Kande) Callahan Koehmstedt. He attended school in Grafton graduating from GHS in 2003. He continued his education at NDSU and later received his Master’s in Educational Leadership from MSUM.

He began his career in education as a social studies teacher at Grafton Middle School. In 2017, he took a principal position at the Midway Public School System. He returned to Spoiler Country in 2018 and began his career as Activities Director and Assistant High School Principal, a position he held until the time of his death.

Jon met Sadie Lovejoy while attending NDSU. They were united in marriage in 2009. The marriage was blessed with two beautiful children, Harper age 12 and Kase age 8. The couple later divorced.

Jon proudly served as President of the Walsh County Historical Society.

Jon loved sports!! He participated in basketball, football and track throughout his school days. Because of his love for the games, he continued his dedication and time to coaching football and basketball. One of his most memorable coaching highlights was being an assistant coach of the Spoiler 2011 ND State Champion Football team. But by far the most gratifying highlight for him was coaching his daughter Harper and her teammates in basketball. He even got the ball rolling to have these girls perform the National Anthem at many sporting events. Jon spent endless hours at various sporting activities, both introducing players and announcing games. His energy and enthusiasm radiated spirit throughout the facilities!

Jon loved to spend time with his family and friends listening to Blackhawk and 80’s and 90’s country music. He loved relaxing and having fun at Lake Andrusia at Joe’s Lodge enjoying time with his kids and many friends. He could also be found cruising backroads on one of his many rangers. Jon found happiness that recently made the road from Grafton to Drayton a lot shorter due to a new and very special person in his life.

Jon is survived by his children: Harper and Kase Koehmstedt and their mother Sadie; Jon’s mother, Kande Koehmstedt, Grafton, ND; brother, Shane (Tammy) Burns, Grafton, ND; sisters, Nichole Nelson, Ishpeming, MI; Sheri (Dan) Holter, Oslo, MN. Aunts and uncles: Betty Gerszewski, Joe Koehmstedt, Butch and Donna Koehmstedt, Gary and Bev Slominski, Jody and David Clemens, Patsy and Bob Gust, and Paul Callahan. Nieces and nephews: Alison (Beau) Rutherford, Davis, Camron, and Ella; Logan Burns (Jaden Prigge), Stephanie Burns (Jayden LaHaise), Cecelia Burns; Sarah Nelson, Emily Nelson, Callie Nelson, Aaron Vonasek, Allison Vonasek (Trey Paskett), Jade and Jasper, Gracie Holter and several cousins. Jon is also survived by his very special friend Lori Grundstrom.

Preceding Jon in death was his father, Patrick Koehmstedt; Paternal Grandparents Francis and Amelia Koehmstedt and maternal grandparents Murphy and Harriet Callahan; Aunt Nancy Callahan and Uncle Eddie Gerszewski.

Jon’s final wish was to be an organ donor. His wish was fulfilled. His mother Kande received a call on Monday from Lifesource in Minneapolis, an organization focused on organ, eye and tissue donation. They stated because of Jon’s wonderful donation he has now helped or even saved the lives of many recipients.

Funeral services will be held Saturday August 16th at 1:00 PM at the Grafton High School Gym. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service. Interment will be at the Grafton Lutheran Cemetery immediately following the service. The service will be live streamed at www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com on Jon’s obituary page.

The family is suggesting memorials be given to the “Jon Koehmstedt Memorial Fund” for the purpose of setting up a Trust Fund for Harper and Kase. Memorials can be sent to Jon Koehmstedt Memorial Fund in c/o Kande Koehmestedt, 1475 Edgewood Ave, Grafton ND 58237.

God Bless The Memory of Jon Koehmstedt