GRAFTON, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A funeral was held Saturday, August 16, at Grafton High School for a beloved activities director and coach.
41-year-old Jon Koehmstedt was trying to work on his boat back on August 9.
Authorities say that Koehmstedt exited his boat, went into Cass Lake, and never resurfaced.
The funeral for Jon has been especially difficult for his mother.
“He was a well-loved person and that was so evident in all the outpouring of people sending me messages,” said Kande Koehmstedt, Jon’s mother.
Some of Jon’s closest connections knew him for being a great friend.
“People gravitated toward him. He just had a unique way about him. I describe him as rough around the edges, but in a way that people feel comfortable around him,” said John Kingsbury, Jon’s friend.
Jon was a football coach and girls’ basketball coach, in which he had a lasting impression on his players that wanted to make him proud.
“He was a very nice coach and he taught me everything I knew and learned from him,” said Reagan Tanke, a 7th grade student who played basketball for Jon.
“We were very lucky to have him through all those years. It was really fun. And we just loved the chance to get to play,” said Zola Stark, another 7th grade student who played for Jon.
It was a sad day for many people at the funeral as they came down to see Jon one last time, knowing he’s in a happy place.
“It’s just been an outpouring of love, and that’s what Jon has been all about. He had to have been loved to have that many people come and offer condolences,” said Kande Koehmstedt.
Jon touched the hearts of the Grafton community as a son, friend, and role model.
