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1919 Othilia 2015

Othilia Koch

February 1, 1919 — May 1, 2015

Othilia "Tillie" Koch, 96, Mandan, died May 1, 2015 at Sanford on Sunset Care Center, Mandan.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mandan, with Reverend Shane Campbell celebrating and Reverend Jerry Kautzman concelebrating. Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 pm on Tuesday, May 5 at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Catholic Daughters Rosary at 7 pm followed by a parish vigil. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Tillie was born February 1, 1919 in Morton County, ND, the youngest of 12 children to Heronimus and Margaret (Boehm) Kautzman. She was raised and educated in Mandan, ND. Tillie met the love of her life, Jake Koch, while attending a dance at the Hudson Hall in Mandan. On August 11, 1945 Jake and Tillie were married. In their dream home on the corner of 3rd and Division Street, they raised six children: Jimmy, Wally, Paula, Mary Jane, Karla, and Bobby. Being a wife, mother and homemaker was everything to Tillie. She took great pride in caring for her children, husband and home. Tillie loved to spend time in her flower gardens, sewing and making beautiful outfits for her children. She was beyond talented in the kitchen - cooking the most delicious meals and baking the yummiest treats. Together Tillie and Jake enjoyed playing cards, dancing and attending their children's sporting events and activities. In April of 1984, after 39 years of marriage, her soul mate was taken by cancer. It was a loss that rocked Tillie's world. She leaned heavily on her deep faith and love of the Lord to face and live the many years without her life's partner. She attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church regularly, read the bible often, and said the rosary repeatedly.

Her family truly was her entire world, being Grandma Tillie to her 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren was her greatest role. She was known to cook Sunday meals for the entire family, where everyone couldn't wait for meatballs, chicken and mashed potatoes. She hosted all holidays, even after moving into a small apartment, somehow finding a way to make everyone fit. She would often say, "It doesn't matter how crowded we are, what matters is we are all together." She spent hours sewing and stitching customized Christmas stocking for all family members. Tillie enjoyed baking & making family favorites such as apple turnovers, butter-cut outs, cookies, banana bread, caramel rolls, ice cream, chocolate cake, pickles, German dishes and so much more. She always made sure she had her fridge and cabinets stocked for when family made planned and unplanned visits. Tillie's favorite pastime was playing cards and she loved to teach her grandchildren how to play, though it didn't matter who she was playing, she was always out to win the hand. Her contagious laugh, quick-witted sense of humor and the beautiful smirk of a smile on her face were sure signs she was enjoying her family. She was at her happiest when her family was gathered together.

Though she loved her family dearly, oh how she longed to be with Jake. Her greatest wish was to be reunited with him in Heaven and to be with her Lord & Savior. Our tears are ones of joy, happiness and peace, knowing her wish has now become a reality. Tillie's greatest legacy is the faith she instilled and the family togetherness she created. The Koch family stands forever strong and together because of the foundation Tillie & Jake built it all upon. May the angels lead you into paradise and grant you, Tillie, the peace you so dearly deserve.

Celebrating Tillie's life are her children: Jim Koch, Wally (Cindi) Koch, Mary Jane (Keith) Sailer, Karla (Brad) Zander and Bob (Carrie) Koch and her son in-law, Mark Goldmann. Her grandchildren & great-grandchildren: Travis (Jill) Sabrina, Sadey, Sharlotte & Luke Koch; Jennifer (Spencer) Narron, Korbin (Jaime) Emmilyn Koch; Paul (Shonna) Taylor & Morgan Goldmann, Michelle Goldmann, Jacorian Goldmann; Danielle (Mike) Matilda, Fletcher & baby-to-be Askay, Benjamin (Mackenzie) Sailer, Andrew Sailer, Carly Sailer; Brittaney Zander (Todd) Hadley Schmidt, Madysen Zander; Kayla (Andrew) Heen, Ryan Koch, Kortney Koch, Brett Koch and Faith Koch.

Welcoming her home are her husband Jake, her daughter Paula, her parents, her siblings and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in memory of Tillie Koch.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Othilia Koch, please visit our flower store.

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