Nelda Jean, nee Funk, Koch, 84, of New Athens, IL; was born on March 9, 1930 in Fayetteville, IL; passed away on Monday, June 23, 2014 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville, IL.

Mrs. Koch was a homemaker. She was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ where she belonged to the Women’s Guild serving in all offices. She served on the managing board of directors of the New Athens Home for the Aged for 12 years serving as secretary for most of those years. She served on the Auxiliary Board of the New Athens Home for the Aged for many years serving in every office – some more than once. Mrs. Koch was an avid quilter and belonged to the St. John’s UCC Quilters Club. Nelda was a very loving mother and grandmother and loved the time she spent with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents – Arnold and Ruth, nee Curry, Funk. Her husband Norman Koch whom she married at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Belleville, IL on July 3, 1957 and who passed away on June 8, 2011. One son – Larry Koch. One brother – Dean Funk. Two sisters – Sharon Kaemmerer; Sandra Peterson.

She is survived by 1 son – Ricky (Sherry) Koch of Darmstadt, I; daughter-in-law – Phoebe Koch of Boonville, IN Her grandchildren – Douglas Koch; Chelsea (Chris) Sowards; Elisha (Jared) Delawson; Breanne Koch. One great-granddaughter – Callie Delawson. . Two brothers – Arnold (Inez) Funk of Texas; Darrel (Joan) Funk of Mascoutah, IL. Four sisters – Bonnie (Charles) Nesbit of Belleville, IL; Jewel Baker of Belleville, IL; Peggy Whitlow of Lebanon, IL; Mary (Donald) Finney of Burlington, MA.

Memorials may be made to Darmstadt Memorial Cemetery, St. John’s United Church of Christ or St. John’s United Church of Christ Women’s Guild.

Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL on Thursday, June 26, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at St. John’s United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL on Friday, June 27, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.. A Women’s Guild ritual will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Funeral: Services will be held at St. John’s United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL on Friday, June 27, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Robert Koch officiating.

Interment: Burial will be held at Darmstadt Memorial Cemetery in Darmstadt, IL.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 11:14 pm

   Rick and family,
   I”m so very sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mom was such a sweet sweet lady. She is now with your Dad but I”m sure your loss is a difficult one. You now have both of your parents as your Guardian Angels. Treasure the memories you have with them. Again, I’m really sorry for your loss.
   Love,
   Pam

   Posted by: Pamela Hargan – Springfield, IL – friend Jun 24, 2014

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2. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 11:14 pm

   I’m going to miss my Aunt. She use to let us go in the chicken coop and get on the tractor. When I married Bob she gave us kitchen towels, etc…The Lord allowed us to share her life for a good long time and her blessings are all around. Love always…

   Posted by: Charlene McCullough Stehlick – Millstadt, IL – niece Jun 27, 2014

   Reply
3. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 11:14 pm

   My condolences on Nelda’s passing. When we served the Darmstadt church, I remember no one so excited at our son’s birth than Nelda. She gave us a little quilted blanket that became one of the treasured items we had to have whenever he needed comforting. She was hardworking, direct and very kind. I am hopeful she has been welcomed into the company of all the saints.

   Posted by: Rev. David McDonald Aug 14, 2014

   Reply