Albert Hoch Obituary

Hoch, Albert Alois Albert was born September 12, 1929 and went home to his Lord April 6, 2013. He was born and raised in Cicero, IL to immigrant Czech parents, Albert A. and Anna (Kadlec) Hoch. He graduated Morton High School 1947, Morton Junior College 1949 and University of Illinois '51. He earned his MA from U of I in '52 with High Honors. He served his country with the 101st Airborne during the Korean War and was stationed in Linz, Austria as a translator for MIS. He met his true love, Barbara Brooke Rennaker while working in the kitchen of Barbara's dormitory at U of I. They were married June 12, 1954 and enjoyed 58 years of married bliss. Together they raised 5 children: Pamela Ruth Crabtree of Sarasota FL, Albert (Bert) Adolph Hoch of Naperville IL, Alison Anne (Tom) Clapper of Naperville IL, Amy Brooke (Keith) Swiney of Dallas, GA, and Paul Russell Hoch of Naperville, IL. Albert's career started by teaching language for 2yrs at Evergreen Park High School, then 2 years writing copy for Montgomery Ward Catalog. With his love of languages, he then returned to teaching at Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, IL and was there 30yrs teaching English, Spanish, German, and Russian. He enjoyed collecting items as a teenager but later enjoyed collecting German beer steins, music boxes, baby plates and marbles. Albert was a craftsman who also started a business called "Together Again" where he restored antiques. He is a former president of SCI (Stein Collectors Int'l) and also volunteered in many activities for children with special needs. Albert enjoyed his spiritual journey as a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville, IL. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbara; his 5 loving children; his cherished 3 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren and 1 precious great-grandson. He also leaves one sister, Vera (Truman) Hefner and one brother, Charles (Doris) Hoch; 1 aunt, 2 cousins and many nieces and nephews. He was loved and admired for his integrity and humor by all who knew him and will be especially missed by his dachshund, Lumpi. Visitation will be Friday, April 12th at Grace United Methodist Church located at 300 East Gartner Rd in Naperville, IL between 6:30pm-8:30pm. Memorial Service will be Saturday April 13th at 11am at Grace United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Al's name can be made to Little Friends, Inc. 140 N. Wright St, Naperville IL 60540.

Published by Naperville Sun on Apr. 10, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Albert Hoch

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After almost 50 years, I think of Herr Hoch literally every day, often with respect to his teaching us the value of conceptual over literal translation. The classic Hoch example: not "das ist der Weg es ist" but the much more potent "so ist es" for "that´s the way it is." What a teacher, what a man.

Ken Doxsee LTHS `74

April 4, 2022

Thanks to a wonderful German teacher. I ended-up learning Mandarin Chinese (have lived in China for almost 25 years).

Dwight Nordstrom

March 23, 2014

I think of Herr Hoch often! Today I taught my daughter "Eins zwei g'suffa" and I still can't pronounce the sentence in Czech that he taught us, unique in having no vowels! Finally made it to Germany in 2013, and though I last studied German in 1973, my lessons served me well!! Rest in peace, Herr Hoch! You made a difference to countless lives. --Ken Doxsee (LTHS class of 1974)

Ken Doxsee

January 27, 2014

I just learned of Herr Hoch's passing in the LTHS Alumni news. He was a wonderful man, and a tremendous influence as my teacher. He truly cared about his students. A good friend to my Father, Ray, growing up in Cicero. I hope they are enjoying their comics together again. He is in my prayers today. Im Frieden, Herr Hoch.

Steve Tomecek

October 18, 2013

Some of the fondest memories of my life are from taking three years of German from Herr Hoch at Lyons Township during 1972-1975. Herr Hoch was not just a great teacher; he was a great human being, and we all grew in our love of German, each other, and life because of him. May those of us touched by his life follow his example. Amen.

John Torczynski

July 18, 2013

Albert was a very outstanding man for many reasons. Sending loving thoughts to Barbara, who has lifted so many of us up with caring prayers. It is our turn to do so for her and the family.
With deep sympathy,

Dponna Plumer

May 8, 2013

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I met Al when I became a new teacher at Lyons Township High School in 1977. I so appreciated his guidance and support. His humor was contagious. Thank you for sharing him with all of us LT faculty and students.

April 16, 2013

Barbara,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Paige & Checkers Pfenninger
(Edward AAT program)

April 14, 2013

Dear Barbara,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Al was a terrific man, so kind, positive and always a pleasure to be around. We hope you find comfort from the outpour of love and support from your friend and family.

Sharon & Ray Kennedy

April 14, 2013

Dear Barb,
We just now found out about Al's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. What a talented man Al was, and how lucky you and your family were to call him your own. Blessings to you all. We will miss him.
Barb & Dave LeMaster

April 12, 2013

Dear Barbara and family. Myrna and I were so sorry to learn of the passing of Al. We, our daughter, Susan, and numerous friends in Naperville, and other parts of the country,relied on him for his expert advise and excellent craftmanship in dealing with broken and damaged treasures. He was truley a nice man and we will miss seeing and talking with him. Our thoughts are with you.
Myrna and Jim Newkirk - Manchester, NJ

April 12, 2013

Dear Barbara and children,
We are so sad to have lost such a wonderful friend. we are still in shock over his passing. He will be so missed by so many friends. You have both been such a wonderful part of our lives. Those memories we will always cherish. Please know that you will always be in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry that we can't be there as Tye has another surgery coming up at Mayo. We will be back in touch soon. Love and hugs from Tye and Sandy Schwalbe

April 12, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sorrowful time. My the Lord bless you with peace and comfort.

Kandi Chavis

April 12, 2013

Dear Barb and children..I am so so sorry for hearing just today of your loss of your husband Al and father. I had no idea when I called you this week Barb. I feel so terrible. My thoughts and sympathies to all of you in your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in these next few days and weeks to come. Blessings and peace to the entire Hoch family. May Al now rest in peace with the Lord our God.
With great sympathy...Annette Ludovice

April 12, 2013

Wonderful memories of Shady Lane..our happy times live in our hearts. May Barbara and family find comfort in memories and deep faith.

G.R. and Joan Thomas

April 12, 2013

Al,

I have known you and your family for my entire life. I always enjoyed speaking with you and seeing you. You have added to everyones life that you touched.

I will miss you

Andre

Andre Ammelounx

April 11, 2013

Barbara-We are still in Arizona but we wanted you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God Bless - Leon and Eleanor Arneson

April 11, 2013

Prayers for your loving family. May The Lord shelter you and give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Sharon & Kevin Thomsen

April 11, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you Uncle Al, RIP. Peace be with You. You will be missed.

Chris & Anna Windlow

April 10, 2013

Barb and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Al's passing. He was a very interesting and knowledgeable man. We enjoyed many dinners in his company and left enriched from his presence. He will be missed by all. God be with you!

Roy and Alice Mann

April 10, 2013

Barbara, our prayers are with you and your family. May God bless and watch over you at this difficult time.

Sandy & Richard Bray

April 10, 2013

Barbara, Al has been such a wonderful friend to us for so many years. We were saddened at his passing but we know we'll see him again Our love & prayers are you & your family. May God comfort you. He will be greatly Missed! Love, Win Cheryl & Bryan

April 10, 2013

Though I did not have the honor & pleasure of knowing Al, I work with his wife, Barbara, on the "Open Doors Ministry" of Grace United Methodist Church where we reach out and support children and adults with special needs. I have to believe that Al has been every bit the giving, loving, and engaging person that Barbara is, and wish to extend heartfelt condolences on behalf of my wife Kathy (Bible studier with Barbara) and myself.

Kathy+Jim Powell

April 10, 2013

It was our good fortune to have known Al for 51 years during which we shared our Czech heritage and family and educational experiences. He was a kind, thoughtful, caring, gentle, and compassionate friend. Al we'll miss you. Jim, Rose Marie, and Lynn Blaha

Jim, Rose Marie, Lynn Blaha

April 10, 2013

Dear Barb Hoch and family,

We just received the sad word that Al had passed away. It is hard to
imagine attending Grace Church without the presence of Al, who was always so
faithful in his full participation in church life. We especially remember
his active role in the discussions of the Forum Class.

Please know that even if we are separated by so many miles, we are there
with you in spirit as you struggle with the loss of your beloved husband and
father. May you all be sustained by God's abundant comfort and love,

George and Yoko Gish
Tokyo, Japan

George and Yoko Gish

April 10, 2013

Barbara and family,
We considered Al a very good friend.His hunor will be missed.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Peace,
Sandy and Ed

Sandy and Ed Leedy

April 10, 2013

Barbara and family,
We considered Al a very good friend and his humor will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Peace,
Sandy and Ed

Sandy and Ed Leedy

April 10, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful Uncle.

Debra (Windlow) OConnor

April 10, 2013

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