Grace Lois Koch passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026 at the age of 87 in Watertown.
On October 20, 1938, Grace Lois Ann Richter was born in Milwaukee to Herbert and Esther Richter. She was the youngest child with three older siblings. She was baptized and confirmed at Emmaus Lutheran Church and attended school there. She graduated from North Division High School in 1956. She then attended school at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and began working.
Grace met the love of her life, Paul Koch. He was her brother’s friend. They were married on her 20th birthday in 1958. They made their home in Milwaukee. Eric and Linda were born into the family. In 1971, the family made a move out of the city to Horicon. They built a home where they would live for 52 years. Grace worked to create a loving home while also working at the family business, Pyramid Heating, and also participating in many community activities.
Through the years, she served as a Cub Scout and 4H Leader, participated in a homemakers and book club, and was an organizer for the Red Cross Blood Bank. Grace enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, knitting and traveling. However, she put her family in the forefront caring well for her husband of 67 years, her children and treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Grace was a member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Horicon. She served on the altar guild and fellowship committees. Grace lived her final two years in Watertown at Marquardt Manor in an apartment and then under hospice care. She continued to share her laughter and smile with those she encountered until she was called to her eternal home on September 9. She was 87 years old.
Grace is survived by her husband, Paul; children, Eric (Sherry) Koch of Merrill and Linda (Tom) Young of Lake Jackson, TX; grandchildren, Andrew (Michelle) Koch, Eleanor Young, Nathan (Emma) Koch, Stephen (Kathryn) Koch, Peter Young; and great-grandchildren, Daniel and Oskar Koch. Survivors include brother-in-law, Calvert (Michele) Koch, plus many caring nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Horicon on Monday, Sept. 28. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. with the service to follow.
Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home is serving the family.
