Ray V. Kocher

Biography:  On Thursday February 9, 2017 at 5:00 pm Ray V. Kocher, 97 was called home to be with the Lord at Heartland of Bucyrus.  He was born April 18, 1919 to the late Harry Everett and Frieda (Bigler) Kocher in Powhatten Point, OH.  He was married to Adaline (Staiger) Kocher on September 1, 1940.  They celebrated almost 74 years of marriage.  She preceded him in death on July 26, 2014.  Ray was also preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law Earl and Mary Kocher; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law Carl and Pauline Linn; and sister-in-law Nellie Staiger.


Surviving Ray are: son, Eugene (Barbara) Kocher; daughter Marjorie (Richard) Durigg; grandchildren, Scott (Abby) Kocher, Bucyrus; Katie (Brett) Leonberger, Westerville, OH; Eric (Kelsie Long) Kocher, Troy, OH; and Chris (Alexandra Stephen) Durigg, Woodsfield, OH.  Also surviving are great grandchildren Miles Kocher, Addison Leonberger, Reed Kocher, and a great grandson expected in early May.  Also a brother-in-law, James Staiger, Bucyrus; as well as numerous nieces and nephews
Ray moved to the Bucyrus area from Powhatten Point, OH at the age of 8 with his parents and brother.  He attended Holmes-Liberty School.  Growing up on the farm he worked his way into farming which became a lifelong passion.  He operated a one family Dairy and Grain Farm for over 40 years.  In the late 1930's and early 1940's he operated an over the road feed grinding service with his brother Earl.  In the 1960's and 1970's he and very, "Good Friend" Jerry Hatcher operated a custom silo filling service to area farmers.
After retiring from farming Ray took up the art of woodworking, upholstering furniture, and sewing.  He had much talent in building pieces of furniture, upholstering furniture, and for many years sewed "All" of his wife's clothes.  He was the "Kocher Family Tailor".  He also made many small wood crafts, which today, along with many larger pieces such as curio cabinets and a grandfather clock, adorn the homes of his family members.  Ray had a passion for gardening as well as making candy and cookies, especially at Christmas time.
Ray and Adaline were early member of a church group which sewed quilts for Lutheran World Relief.  He was a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church where he served on Church Council in many capacities over many years of service.  Ray was a true believer and Loved his Lord!  Together he and Adaline served as church custodians for 26 years.
Funeral Services for Ray Kocher will be Saturday Feb. 18, at 10:00 am in the Martin Luther Lutheran Church with Pastor Tim Nilsen officiating, burial will follow in the Martin Luther Lutheran Cemetery.  the family will receive friends at the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home on Friday from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm.  The family suggests that memorials be made to Martin Luther Lutheran church and expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com