Loretta Koch

Loretta Koch, 86, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Loretta was born in Zeeland, ND, to Arthur and Lydia (Ehrmann) Jahraus, on October 7, 1939. She was raised in Zeeland until the age of 5 when they moved to Aberdeen. She attended public school in Aberdeen, graduating from Aberdeen Central with the class of 1957. After meeting her future husband, Louie, at Harry’s Drive Inn, they were married on June 15, 1958, and lived a happy life for 68 years.

Loretta held a variety of many interesting jobs. She was employed at the Super 8 headquarters, Ackerman Welding, Hub City Transit, and Runnings. Her interest was bowling, where she was secretary of a bowling league for several years. Loretta was inducted into the Women’s Bowling Hall of Fame. Other interests were playing softball and sunbathing in the backyard.

Family was very important to her, and they brought much joy, happiness, and love to her.

Grateful for having shared Loretta’s life are her husband Louie Koch; children: Lynn (Keith) Jerke, Lance (Barb) Koch, Layne (Maria) Koch, and Lee (Terri) Koch; grandchildren: Sarah (Doug) Severson, Josh (Bev) Koch, Kristina (Michael) Atkinson, and Nick (Page) Koch; great-grandchildren: Landon Severson, Logan Severson, Evy Koch, Sophia Koch, Wyatt Atkinson, Wade Atkinson, Kayson Koch, Paxton Koch, and Layla Koch; sisters-in-law: Barbara Jahraus and Sue Jahraus; along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, who meant a lot to her.

Preceding Loretta in death are her parents Arthur & Lydia, sister Betty, brothers Wayne and Billy, and grandsons Stuart Jerke, Kevin Jerke, and Nathan Koch.

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