Jean C. Kocher's Obituary
Jean C. Kocher, age 86, passed away Monday, August 12, 2024, at home with her husband James (Jim) at her side. She was born on February 1, 1938, to Gordon and Lillian (Pederson) Larson, in Elbow Lake, Minnesota. As a child, she enjoyed spending time at her parents’ business, Elbow Lake Hatchery and at the family cottage at nearby Sandy Point. From outstanding teachers, she learned to sing, play piano, and French horn. Jean graduated with honors from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where she played in the concert band. Jean caught Jim’s eye in the college band, and they wed on April 31, 1960. During their 64 years of marriage, they followed Jim’s work as an ELCA Lutheran Pastor. They made homes in five states in the Great Lakes region and the Midwest. Jean had a 40-year career teaching elementary music. While teaching she earned a Master’s Degree at Michigan State University. Jean sang in the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus, the East Lansing (Michigan) Fine Arts Chorale, and many church choirs. With delicious home-cooking and a gift for making others feel special, Jean hosted frequent gatherings for friends, family, neighbors, church groups and international students. She treasured the time she spent watercolor painting, gardening, cooking, sewing, and traveling. Jean will be missed by Jim, daughters Carla Kocher (Jerry Hilger), Kaija Kocher, all of Grand Haven, MI; sister Lois (Gary) York, Pacific Palisades, CA; brother Byron (Carol) Larson, Waseca, MN; brother-in-law David (Sally) Kocher, of Ashburn, VA; beloved nieces and nephews and their families, cousins and many friends. MEMORIAL SERVICES are September 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM, First Presbyterian Church Grand Haven, Michigan, the Reverend Kristine Aragon Bruce officiating, and September 21, 02:00 PM, University Lutheran Church, East Lansing, Michigan, the Reverend Emily Shipman officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to: First Presbyterian Church’s Community Artist Series or Love in Action Tri-Cities Food Pantry, Samaritas Social Services or University Lutheran Church Music Scholarship Fund. Arrangements by the VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 620 Washington, Grand Haven, MI. 49417.
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