Koch, Evlyn

Evlyn C. Koch, 98, of Breese, died Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Countryside Manor in Aviston. She was born July 25, 1915, in Chicago, daughter of Arthur H. and E. Celia (Bennett) Borchers. She married Carl F. Koch November 27, 1943 at the University of Chicago Bond Chapel in Chicago, IL and he preceded her in death January 15, 1999. She is survived by her beloved children, Walter A. (Lana) Koch of Lindenhurst, IL, Fred A. (Louvella) Koch of Coal City, IL, John B. (Debbie) Koch of Tonawanda, NY, and Jean A. (Brad) Taylor of Belleville, IL; seven grandsons and six great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Borchers. Mrs. Koch received her education in Chicago and before her marriage was employed as an executive secretary at the University of Chicago. After her marriage Evlyn and her husband operated the Breese Grain Company before retiring in 1980. During her active years, Evlyn volunteered with many organizations. She was one of the founding committee members for St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary and for many years scheduled the hours for the volunteers. For twenty years she was the volunteer executive secretary for the Southern Illinois Community Concert Association and scheduled professional artist concerts in the Centralia auditoriums. Perhaps her primary work was with her church, St. John’s United Church of Christ, Breese, serving under several pastors. She dearly loved the Breese community and all its residents. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Hempen Funeral Home in Breese with Pastor Matthew Goetz officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery in Breese. Friends may call from 1 p.m. until time of service Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Hempen Funeral Home in Breese. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. John United Church of Christ or Heartland Hospice and will be received at the funeral home.