Gerald "Jerry" A. Koch

WASHINGTON- Gerald “Jerry” A. Koch, 75, a life-time resident of Washington, passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Unity Point Health Proctor Hospital in Peoria. Jerry was born on April 3, 1939 in Washington to Arthur and Elsie Thieme Koch. He grew up on a small farm, alongside his brother and sister. Jerry married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Judy Gordon on November 15, 1958. They began dating during their junior year at Washington Community High School. She survives. Jerry and Judy were an admired example of true love, companionship and friendship throughout their 56 year marriage. Also surviving are his children, Kim (Randy) MacDonald, Kris Aberle and Ken Koch, all of Washington; four grandchildren, Jessica (Grant) MacDonald Uftring, Kaitlyn MacDonald, Dustin Aberle and Torie Aberle; two great-grandchildren, Tye and Paxson Uftring; and one brother, Eugene Koch of Beaumont, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Janice (Koch) Cherrie. Jerry was a 1957 graduate of Washington Community High School. In school, Jerry was a great baseball and football player and was the football team captain. He was always proud of his Panther heritage and helped organize the 12th Man. Long after he had left the halls of WCHS, he spent many Friday nights attending football games and many Sundays watching the Bears. Jerry was a hard worker and was dedicated to the jobs he held throughout his life. He was employed as a pharmaceutical rep for McKesson’s for 29 years. Jerry’s last employer was Uftring Chevrolet in Washington, where he worked for 17 years. Jerry loved to go golfing in his spare time. He enjoyed coaching youth football and baseball. Jerry loved being on his tractor and working outside on his property. He was an avid-sports lover, a dedicated viewer of old Western films, and a popsicle fanatic when his grandchildren were around. More than anything, Jerry loved spending time with his loving family. He leaves behind many family members and friends in the Washington area. His sense of humor, intelligence, compassion, and his dedication to his marriage and the family he raised will never be forgotten. A funeral Mass for Jerry will be held Thursday, February 12, 2015 at 10:30AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 from 5-7PM at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, with a prayer service at 4:30PM. An additional visitation will be a half hour prior to the service at church on Thursday. There will be a private inurnment at Glendale Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Gerald "Jerry" A. Koch

April 3, 1939 - February 8, 2015