Elizabeth Koch

 

Liz passed away peacefully with her children and one son-in-law at her side at Evelyn’s House Hospice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Born in Tracy, Minnesota to Harry and Marjorie (Johns) French, the third of three children, Liz grew up in Rochester, Minnesota.  In May of 1951, she married Keith Koch, with whom she celebrated 68 years of marriage prior to Keith’s passing in 2020.  Liz attended Dominican College in Racine, Wisconsin, then taught elementary education for seven years before moving to St. Louis, Missouri in 1975. St Louis was followed by stops in Cambridge, Maryland and Mount Pleasant, Iowa as Keith was transferred to different locations.  Liz and Keith initially retired in 1989 to Sunrise Beach, Missouri (Lake of the Ozarks) until moving to Lakeland, Florida (Highland Fairways) in 1993 where they spent their golden years.  Liz enjoyed baking (famous for her cookies and pies), sewing, golf, dinner parties and traveling.  Liz also liked to dance and, like many other talents, was quite good. Many of her friends were treated to special performances as she went nowhere without her tap shoes. Liz enjoyed visits from her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She loved telling them stories and late in life fulfilled one of her dreams to write and publish a children’s book. She ultimately had two children’s books published and enjoyed giving signed copies to children and grandchildren of both friends and new acquaintances. Liz was a long-time member of The First United Methodist Church of Lakeland. Liz was generous with her time and talents.  She enjoyed volunteering and fund raising for her churches and within the communities that she lived. Liz started a branch of Questers in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, was a member of the Lady Elks and often found students that could benefit from her tutoring and mentorship. She had several favorite charities including The Children’s Closet in Lakeland, Florida, St. Jude Childrens Hospital, several veterans’ organizations, Habitat for Humanity and BackStoppers. Liz is survived by son Kris Koch (Patricia) of Amherst Junction, WI, Alicia Vernon (James) of Chesterfield, MO, Tamara Bahr (Phillip) of Racine, WI, seven grandsons and eleven great grandchildren.

As a tribute from her family, Liz was viewed as an amazing daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and human being.  She was loved beyond measure and will be missed beyond measure.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for the family on November 11 at Hoff Funeral Home in St Charles, Minnesota.  Liz will be laid to rest next to husband, Keith, in Evergreen Cemetery in Dover, Minnesota.