A Memorial Mass for Janet A. Koch, 73, of Norfolk will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Norfolk. Reverend Vincent Germace will be the celebrant. Visitation with family will be one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Inurnment will be in Pleasant View Cemetery in Winside.
Janet died Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk.
Home for Funerals is in charge of arrangements.
Janet Anne Koch was born May 22, 1951 in Columbus to Lumir John and Emily Tillie (Juva) Houdek. She graduated from Clarkson High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Wayne State College in 2004.
On July 24, 1971, Janet married Earl B. Koch at Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Clarkson. Earl and Janet began their relationship as pen pals in 1970 while Earl served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. The letters continued as Earl served his deployment. They met in Columbus in 1971 after Earl returned home.
Due to her husband’s career in the military, Janet was able to grace much of the world with her presence. After their marriage, Janet and her family would live in Missouri, Kentucky, South Carolina, Washington, and Hawaii. She would even live abroad in Germany two different times, where she ran a childcare facility and even saw the Berlin Wall before it fell. Janet retired from her lifelong work as a nurse/med aide in 2010. Janet enjoyed playing softball and bowling. She liked to read romance novels and art painting. Most of all, Janet loved spending time with her family and taking care of others, especially children.
Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Earl; children, Earl J. Koch, Kristi L. Koch and Kay A. Eierman all of Norfolk; grandchildren, Michael J. Aufenkamp (Shelbi Hollingsworth), Macy G. Koch, and RyAnne Eierman; great-granddaughter, Arabelle L. Aufenkamp; brothers, Dennis and Donnie Houdek both of Lincoln; brother-in-law, Ron Henggeler of Schuyler; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Betty Henggeler and Arlene Houdek; and nephew Keith Henggeler.
