Jeanne Koch

MADISON- Jeanne Louise Koch, age 91, passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at All Saints Memory Care in Madison. She was born in Madison, February 18, 1927, daughter of Louis H. "Bus" and Ella B. Boorman Topp.

Jeanne graduated from Edgewood High School and attended Edgewood College. She organized High School reunions for her class until recently. She married Bill Koch September 11, 1945, starting a family in Madison. Bill's family business, Koch Motors, Inc., included automobile dealerships Graham-Paige, Hudson, Willys, Kaiser-Frasier and Jeeps and Hertz Rent-A-Car Lic. Jeanne's father, "Bus", operated the barber shop at the UW Memorial Union for over 50 years. Jeanne was a Notary Public, had impeccable hand writing, was a voracious reader, exceptional cross-word and jigsaw puzzler, a Cub, Girl and Boy Scout leader and was an original member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic parish.

She was an accomplished maker of clothing including many of her children's clothes and her own. She attended vocational training to learn tailoring and completed a fine wool coat for herself as a graduation project. She was an extraordinary cook and baker. Bill and Jeanne were proud life members of Madison Elks Lodge #410 where they had many friends and served together as event organizers and sponsors for entertainment and dancing events. They enjoyed travel and golfing together and shared a weekend get-away 'farm' in Spring Green, including dancing at local clubs there, after retiring. They enjoyed traveling together to Florida in the winter. Mom told us that being a Mother isn't all that it's cracked up to be. But she did 'mom' well anyway. And, she loved the Braves until they moved and she became a loyal Cubs fan instead.

Jeanne is survived by children Kathleen, William Jr. (Jackie), and Daniel (Diane); four grandchildren, Jeff (Jenni) and Mike Ruedebusch (Sarah Reed); step-granddaughters Julie Abuya, and Jodie Weber; great-grandchildren Henry and Max, Kayla and Kaden Ruedebusch, Jordan and Bryce Babler; step-great granddaughter Tula Pappathopalos; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends including her treasured "old girls" group. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son David Robert Koch (twin of Dan); husband Bill; and her loving Sisters Elizabeth "Betty" Kaltenberg and Mary Ellen Lobb.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 17, 2019, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison with Msgr. Kenneth J. Fiedler presiding. Family will greet friends, at church, one hour prior to mass. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery and lunch in the gathering space at Our Lady Queen of Peace after.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, or a charity of the donor's choice.

The family thanks All Saints Memory Care for six years of care, patience, and skill.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Rd., Madison
608-238-3434