WRIGHT, KANSAS – Irene M. Koechner, 94, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 28, 2023 in Dodge City, surrounded by loving family. Born November 9, 1929 in Spearville, Irene was the fourth of seven children of Joseph and Clara (Demuth) Mages.    She graduated from Spearville High School, later moved to Dodge City, and eventually residing in Wright, Kansas.  On April 27, 1955 she married Aloysius Koechner at St. Andrew Church in Wright.  He preceded her in death on September 8, 2011.  Al and Irene together farmed the family land, and Irene was also well-known for many years as school bus driver for U.S.D. 443 in Dodge City.  When she retired from driving after 28 years, generations of kids had grown up to see their own children on Irene's bus.

An avid gardener, Irene also sewed and enjoyed teaching sewing to 4H members. Her love of pizza parties and jigsaw puzzles was often shared with friends and family, frequently at the Wright Senior Center.  She was a member of St. Andrew Church and Altar Society in Wright.

Survivors include: her son, Joe Koechner (Debbie), Bucklin, KS; 3 daughters, Cheryl Koontz (Mark), Dodge City, KS, Donna Koechner (Ramiro), Albuquerque, NM and Betty Koechner (Robert), Houston, TX; 8 grandchildren, Matt Koontz, Andy Koontz, Erin White, Katie Clark, Sarah Colbert, Sheri Eirhart, Jeff Koechner and Ana Tallent, 19 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Joan Mages, Wright.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, Alvin, Jerry and Tony Mages and 3 sisters, Marian George, Rosie Robertson and Joan Stacey.

Visitation will be Monday, January 1, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City, KS. Vigil service will be at 7:00 pm Monday at St. Andrew Church, Wright, KS.  Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am Tuesday at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Wright, KS with Fr. Ted Stoecklein presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe-Preparing A Place (fund for construction of new Catholic School), Habitat for Humanity, Amanatari or the Alzheimer's Association all in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.