Hannah Elizabeth Kocher

Age 25, of Watford City, North Dakota.
Hannah Elizabeth Kocher passed away tragically in a car accident on September 28th, 2025, as a result of a semi-truck failing to stop at a stop sign.
Hannah was on the way to her fiancé's parents house with her fiancé, Jacob, and her future step-daughter, November. After they were to arrive at Jacob's parents house, they were supposed to be headed to church.
Anybody that knows Hannah is well aware of the impact that she had on other people. She was loving, caring, thoughtful, and authentically herself. She was always there to talk and listen to you - no matter what the conversation was about - and was able to light up a room no matter who else was present.
For as long as anyone can remember, Hannah had always wanted to do two things when she was grown up: to be a teacher and to attend the University of North Dakota - her mom's alma mater. There was never a doubt in her mind that these were the two things that she wanted to do after high school was over.
Hannah graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2022, and she had some of her best moments at UND. Attending hockey games - especially with her mom and dad - will always be the highlight of her college experience, and Hannah will always be remembered as their biggest fan.
At first, she struggled to find the perfect fit for her teaching career. After a few unsuccessful interviews and opportunities, Hannah interviewed at Watford City Middle School in North Dakota. For anyone that doesn't live in that area, it's so far west that you might as well call it Montana! After her interview with the school principal, within the hour they had called Hannah back to offer her a teaching position.
The school knew immediately that they had stumbled upon a teacher who would give all her love and energy to the students that she would teach. Obviously, they were right. For the last three years Hannah has built relationships that have helped shape and develop young middle school students during some of the hardest times of their lives.
Hannah's life has been cut short in her fourth year of teaching. However, her life has been nothing short of meaningful and impactful. Watford City Middle School held a celebration of life event on October 2nd, 2025, where students and staff were able to share memories of Hannah with her family and the community. The students and Hannah's family shared smiles and tears alike as they recounted their favorite and most meaningful memories of Hannah.
As mentioned, through the testimonies of her students, Hannah was always her authentic self. She loved hard, cared about her students, and made every one of them feel valued and wanted. Even if no one else was there for her students, she was there for them.
While our time with Hannah has been ended suddenly, our memories of her will be carried with us forever. Hannah will always be loved by her parents, her family, and especially her twin brother, Trey. Hannah, alongside November, was chosen to be by God's side forever, and she will be waiting for us to join her.
Preceded in death by grandparents, Ray Berthold, Fred and Sharon Kocher.
Survived by parents, Fred and Ramona "Monie" Kocher; twin brother, Trey (Megan) Kocher; grandmother, Jeanette Berthold; Aunts & Uncles, Gerald (Lorie) Berthold, Gary (Laurie) Kocher, Graig (Alyssa) Kocher, cousins, Brad (Raulie) Berthold, Janelle Green, Nicole (Mike) Thorsell, Ryan Kocher, Aimee Kocher, Abby Kocher, Derek Kocher; fiancé, Jacob Shepard; cousins, Phelan Berthold, Barrett Berthold, Brayden Green, Raymond Green, Brooks Green (Hannah's Godson), Easton Thorsell and Brandt Thorsell; and many other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Saturday, October 11th at the Church of the Risen Savior, 1501 E. Co. Rd. 42, Burnsville.
Visitation 7-9 PM Friday and 1 hour prior to the Mass ALL at the church.