Virginia M. Koch

She was born Virginia Madeline Madsen, June 2, 1918 in Nebraska. She was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. Her childhood was difficult, but she and her Grandmother developed a strong relationship that was probably the inspiration for her relationships with her 3 grandchildren- Cindy, Christy and Paul (JP). She was uncannily wise and we soon learned to follow her sage advice because things always went better when we did.

She met Fred Koch while attending North High School in Omaha. He studied in Chicago, and wrote her many love letters over the course of their 5 year courtship. The 22nd was always an important date to Virginia. It was on June 22nd in 1938 that she was supposed to be married to Fred. That didn't happen though because Fred's mother would have one problem or another that would take Fred away. Well Virginia put her foot down and set the final date for their wedding and Fred would not be distracted by his mother's problems or needs. They were married August 22nd in that same year. Fred and Virginia had one daughter born August 20, 1942 named Sharon Kay.

Fred and Virginia provided for their family through good years and bad for most of their life. Their family and its needs trumped everything throughout their lives. She was a Rock for those who needed it. When Fred contracted Parkinson's Disease in the mid 80's, she studied everything she could to help him continue to have the best life he could have. When the day came that Fred signed himself into a Nursing home, Virginia went to sit with him every day for the 8 years he was there before he died January 17, 2000. They were married 61 years.

Virginia and Sharon Kay lived together in Aurora, Colorado before health concerns forced Virginia into a Nursing Home a couple of years ago. She was a popular resident with the staff who complemented her often. Now she is in Heaven and the limitations of her earthly body no longer burden her. It only seems fitting that she joined Fred in Heaven on their original Wedding Date- June 22nd. A great number of their friends are already there and I imagine there is a great party in heaven.