Eileen E. Koch

Eileen E. Koch, age 96, died Monday, April 7, 2014 in Bethany St. Joseph Care Center, La Crosse, Wis. She was born in La Crosse on Sept. 28, 1917, and was the daughter of William and Helen (Bamberger) Colgan. Eileen married Charles D. Koch on September 21, 1940, in St. James the Less Catholic Church, La Crosse, Wis., and he preceded her in death in December of 1987. Eileen was a member of St. James the Less Catholic Church her entire life. She was blessed with four children: Thomas Koch, James (Diane) Koch of Janesville, Wis., Edward (Stefanie) Koch of Phoenix, Ariz., and Mary Ellen Dikeman of Appleton, Wis. Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; husband Charles Koch; son Thomas Koch; grandson Joseph Koch; great grandson Ryan Koch; daughter- in- law Janice (Mehlum) Koch; brothers William (Kaye) Colgan, Arthur (Ruth) Colgan and sister Colleen (Robert) Griepentrog.

Eileen is survived by two sons: James and Edward; one daughter Mary Ellen;  and seven grandchildren: David (Lynette) Koch of Onalaska, Wis., Robert (Tracy) Koch of Holly Springs, N.C.; Sandra (Jeff) Klum of Chaseburg, Wis., Peter (Jennifer) Koch of Spring Valley, Wis.,  Joseph (Jennifer) Dikeman  of Greenville, Wis.,  James Dikeman of La Vergne, Tenn., and Lisa Koch of Madison, Wis. She is also survived by 7 step-grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 7 step-great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, April, 10, 2014, in St. James the Less Catholic Church, 1032 Caledonia St., La Crosse, Wis. Rev.  Robert Schaller will officiate with burial to be held in Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse, Wis. Family and friends may call from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass in the Church on Thursday.

A special thanks to those who have helped her remain happily in her home and stay in Bethany St. Joseph nursing home, especially David and Lynette Koch.