Ernest Koch

Please click here to view Ernest's Video Tribute. View this Videotribute

Ernest W. Koch, 96, of Gothenburg, died on August 27, 2008 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE.

Ernest was born on June 25, 1912 at Eustis, NE to Christian Jacob & Caroline (Gutekunst) Koch. He grew up on the family farm east of Eustis. Ernest was baptized and confirmed at the St. Johns Lutheran Church in Eustis. He attended school at Eustis.

He married Elnora Louise Hicken on December 27, 1936 at the Christ's Lutheran Church North of Gothenburg. To this union 3 children were born: Marvin, Mary and Loren. After living the first few years south of Cozad, Ernest and Elnora, moved to the Gothenburg area where they spent the rest of their lives.

Ernest worked in farming and agriculture. His special interests included hunting and fishing. He was also a member of the Cozad Gun Club where he enjoyed shooting blue rocks. He loved nature, especially watching animals and birds habits. He liked to joke with people and had a good sense of humor. He was a member of the American Lutheran Church where he served on the church council and was a member of the men's double quartet.

Ernest was preceded in death by his wife in 2003, a sister Rose & Billie Schurr, and a brother Lorenz & Elsie Koch; brothers & sisters-in-laws Albert White, Albert Brockmeier, Paul Travis, Maxine Koch; Albert & Sena Ideus, Enno & Lena Schmidt, Bill & Erma Hicken, Bill & Anna Cross, Frank & Dorothy Hicken, George & Regina Hicken; 1 great great grandchild; and 10 nieces & nephews.

Survivors include his two sons: Marvin (Helen) of Cozad, Loren (Mary) of Gothenburg; a daughter Mary (Brad) Morris of Cozad; brother Rudy of Grand Island; three sisters: Wilma White of North Platte; Esther Brockmeier of Lexington; Elsie Travis of Kearney; 11 grandchildren: Cory (Annette) Koch; Greg (LeAnne) Koch; Linda (Jeff) Strong; Jeff (Donna) Morris; Juli Vance; Chris (Jo) Morris; Deanne Riedel; Shawn (Megan) Koch; Dustin Koch; Brandon (Lyndee) Koch; Chad Koch; 18 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; 35 nieces & nephews and many friends.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at the American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg, with Pastor Matthew Groenke and Lonna Grabenstein officiating.

Visitation will be 9:00 am until 8:00 pm, Monday, September 1, 2008 at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel.

Burial will be in the Gothenburg Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the American Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be given to the family at www.blasestrauser.com