LACO, IL - Mildred B. "Mid" Koch, 84, previously of 909 Harmony Lane, Lacon, and currently residing at 947 Brookside Drive, Varna, Ill., passed away at 3:10 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2008, after a six-month battle with cancer.

She was born in Winslow, Ind., on July 25, 1923, the daughter of the late Fredrick G. and Martha Russ Buechele.

She attended Winslow Grade and was an alumni of Winslow High School Class of 1941, Hanover College and graduated from Indiana University.

She married Jack D. Koch of Lacon in Winslow, Ind., on Aug. 8, 1948. He preceded her in death on April 12, 2006.

They had three children, Mitchell (Marty) Koch of Roanoke, Ill., Susan (Kenny deceased) Harms of Varna and Shelly (Gary) Griswold of Lake Wildwood. She was a loving grandmother to David (Rebecca) Harms of Washington, Ill., Steffin (Kathleen) Griswold of Minneapolis, Minn., Amy (Matt) Schwanke of Varna, Cory (Sheryl) Koch of Roanoke, Kristi (Darrin) Chioni of Roanoke, Julie Harms (fiance Lucas Speakman) of Jacksonville, Ill., and Kelli Harms of Varna. She was also the proud great-grandmother to Peyton, Emily, Maddie, Lohgan, Kayla, Leta, Mason, Zach and Kaylin. She hoped to live to see her first grandchild David have his first child, due in June.

She also leaves behind her brother, Victor (Joy) Buechele of Mountain Home, Ark.; and her sister, Roberta (retired Brig. General Daniel) Daley of Colorado Springs, Colo.; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Caroline Buechele.

Her greatest accomplishment, besides her family, was her 36 years of teaching. She taught Spanish in Venice, Fla., Sparland High School and Mid-County Junior-Senior High. She also taught English, science, and math at various times in her teaching career. She was most proud of her ability to have a number of her students go on trips with her to Spain and Mexico.

Although a full-time teacher and mother, she made time to participate in various social organizations. She was a member of Phi Mu Sorority, past matron of Order of the Eastern Star, a charter member of St. John Lutheran Church, a past bond holder of the Lacon Country Club, a 12-year survivor of breast cancer, a past member of the Lacon Public Library Board, a past member of the Lacon Junior Women's Club and an avid bridge and canasta player.

She and Jack loved to travel. The two enjoyed trips to Hawaii, England, Mexico and Spain. If their health hadn't declined, they would have continued to travel.

In lieu of funeral services, she wished to be cremated and have a memorial service, which was at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2008, at St. John Lutheran Church in Lacon. Pastor Wendy Popp officiated at the memorial service. Burial of ashes will be private at a later date.

Memorials may be made to her church, St. John Lutheran of Lacon, Varna Ambulance Service/Fire Department of Varna or Susan G. Komen Memorial Chapter of Peoria, Ill.

Mid will be missed by her family, friends, former students and co-workers. May she now rest in peace.

Lenz Memorial Home was in charge of arrangements.

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