ALMIRA KOCH

ALMIRA KOCH 09/03/1934 - 11/21/2025 Almira Koch of Montevideo passed away on November 21, 2025, at Johnson Memorial Care Center, Dawson, where she received care and encouragement, at the age of 91. Funeral services were held, Monday, December 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home in Montevideo. Rev. Keith Brustuen officiated and interment was at Sunset Memorial Cemetery at a later date. Visitation was held for one hour before the service at the funeral home. Almira Victoria (Werner) Koch was born September 3, 1934, in Omro Township, Yellow Medicine County. She was the youngest child of Edward and Clara (Lachelt) Werner. Almira was baptized September 23, 1934, by Rev. Henry Albrecht at St. John's Lutheran Church in Omro Twp. and confirmed on May 9, 1948, by Rev. Arthur Fuerstenal also at St. John's Lutheran Church in Omro Twp., where she attended parochial school through the eighth grade. Almira graduated with honors from Dawson-Boyd High School May 27, 1952. She was an accomplished musician by this time and was a dedicated church organist for many years and enjoyed playing piano also. After graduation she attended and obtained her certificate as a licensed practical nurse (L.P.N.) from Chas T. Miller Hospital, St. Paul, and moved to Marshall where she was employed at Louis Weiner Memorial Hospital founded in 1950. Following an introduction through friends and family, Almira began a courtship with Lloyd Koch and upon his return from military service in Korea, they became engaged. Lloyd and Almira were married on June 24, 1956, at St John's Lutheran Church, Omro Twp., Y.M.C.. Upon establishing a home in Montevideo, they were both active and dedicated members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and St. John's Lutheran Church, Montevideo. As a young married couple Almira and Lloyd experienced events that prepared them for a challenging, but satisfying life on the Koch farm homestead located south of Montevideo in Y.M.C. Almira enjoyed being a homemaker, became very efficient in maintaining a farm household, and continued her employment as a L.P.N. at Montevideo Chippewa County Hospital where she especially enjoyed caring for newborns and infants. Almira and Lloyd built a log home on the original Koch farm homestead and enjoyed many years living there prior to Lloyd's death in 2010. Almira continued living on the farm and staying in town during the winter months. She eventually maintained an independent living apartment at Brookside Senior Living where she enjoyed and shared many friendships and activities. Surviving Almira are her children, Venita (Brad) Goar, Paul (Debra) Koch, Joel (Andrea) Koch and granddaughters Kara and Abby Koch. She is also survived by immediate and extended members of the Koch, Werner, Lachelt, Weiger, Loose and Marquardt families. Almira was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Lloyd Koch and their daughter Susan Weih; Edward and Clara Werner and brothers Leon, Everett and Eugene Werner; Fred and Tonny Koch and Lloyd's siblings Allan Koch and Nancy Journey. May you rest in heavenly peace with your Lord and Savior. Amen.