Ronald Kocher 03/01/2011

Ronald Franklin Kocher, age 77, of Hastings, MN surrounded by family & church, passed away on Tuesday 3/1/11 at the Red Wing Health Center after a long illness. Ronald was born to Charles Wesley and Constance Alice (Thompson) Kocher on August 31, 1933 in La Porte City Iowa.  Ronald graduated from High School in 1951 from La Porte City High School. Ronald’s work career included banking in Radcliff, IA; Fayette, IA; Riceville, IA; Cresco, IA; Maiden Rock, WI; Decorah, IA; & Hagar City, WI. While living in Maiden Rock WI, Ronald was an EMT, volunteer fireman, and a Pierce County deputy sheriff. He was a very active in the  Methodist church. He was involved in the lay ministry and church planning committees. Ronald enjoyed spending time with his family,  friends, reading and counted cross stitch. On March 5, 1954 Ronald married Joanna M. Blaker at Chapel #2, at Fort Chaffee Arkansas. Afterward, Ron & Jo settled in Fayette, Iowa where Ron attended College. Jo & Ron were blessed with four children. Ronald is survived by daughter, Deanna (Keith) Espersen, Farmington, MN; sons, Daniel (Denise) Kocher, Hastings, MN; and Kent (Teresa) Kocher, Bloomington, MN; brother, Ralph Kocher of Waterloo, Iowa; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and cousins. Ronald was preceded in death by his wife, Joanna (b.1935 d.2009), his son, Garth Eugene Kocher (b.1956 d.1970), his parents, his brother Richard, his sister Jean Anne, as well as many other loved ones.  Visitation was Sunday March 6th  from 2:00-5:00 pm at the United Methodist Church in Hastings and also Monday March 7th from 10:00-11:00 am. The funeral service was held at 11am on Monday, March 7, 2011 at the Hastings United Methodist Church. Interment was Tuesday at 12:00 noon at the Grandview Cemetery in Fayette, IA. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of Maiden Rock.