KOCH, Kathryn S. 1913 - 2003

KOCH, JOHNSON, HAUGE, HITCHCOCK, WOLFRAM, TYLER, LAUSTER

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 1/26/2014 at 12:55:05

KATHRYN S. KOCH

Kathryn S. Koch, 90, of Clear Lake, died Monday, Dec. 15, 2003 at Muse-Norris Hospice of North Iowa, Mason City. Funeral services were held at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, Friday, Dec. 19, with the Rev. Dennis Ganz, officiating. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Kathryn Koch Memorial Fund.

Kathryn was born Dec. 29, 1913, in Clarion, Iowa, the oldest daughter of Samuel E. and Madge Hilda Mechem Shannon (Johnson).

Kathryn was married to her first husband, Galen Hauge, on Sept. 13, 1933, in Webster City, Iowa. Galen passed away on March 21, 1965.

Kathryn was a member of various groups and organizations. She strongly supported the Democratic Party and in the early 1950's, ran for Hancock County Recorder. She was a 4-H leader, belonged to the Garfield Township Community Club and was active in the Hancock County Farm Bureau. After moving to Ventura and Clear Lake, she graduated from Mason City Junior College with an Associate in Arts Degree. For a number of years she taught school, was a census enumerator, member of the Key-Notes, member of the Wa-Tan-Ye Club, was in the Clear Lake Women's Club, and enjoyed art and poetry clubs in Clear Lake. Kathryn had her poetry book, entitled "'Nuff Said," published in January, 2003.

She loved homemaking, was an excellent cook and baker and had a flair for interior design. She was a very talented musician and enjoyed playing her organ and piano. She played the organ at several Governor's Balls in Clear Lake and played for various functions throughout North Iowa. Kathryn was a true humanitarian and thoughtfully remembered all the birthdays of her family, including grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Kathryn was married to Homer Hitchcock and, lastly, to Dean Koch. For a number of years she resided in her home in Clear Lake and enjoyed the companionship of her youngest son, Tony.

Survivors include her three surviving children and their spouses, Gary Hauge and his wife, Marieluise, of Ocala, Fla.; Cynthia Wolfram and her husband, Robert, of Ventura, and Tony Hauge, of Clear Lake; 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Susan Tyler; her sister, Margaret Eileen Lauster, and her three husbands.

Kathryn will be greatly missed by her family and a host of friends, many with whom she maintained close contact.