Mari Koch Obituary

Mari Koch

March 15, 1941 - June 30, 2025

Mari Ellen Koch, 84, of Chippewa Falls died on Monday, June 30, 2025.

Mari was born to Harold and Alma (Hageness) Zittel on March 15, 1941, in Mondovi, WI. After the passing of her mother in 1951, Mari spent much time with her loving grandparents Jule and Lillian Zittel, whom she treasured. Mari graduated from Mondovi High School in 1959.

On September 24, 1960, she married Norman Koch at English Lutheran Church of Bateman. To this union came four children: Dawn, Sheryl, Sheila, and Jeff. Mari spent her life loving and caring for her family, as she saw them as her greatest blessings. She enjoyed cooking, baking, watercolor painting, riding bike, playing Scrabble, reading, and traveling with Norman.

Mari is survived by her children, Dawn (Jesse) Matott of Jim Falls; Sheila (Terry) Burns of Winneconne; and Jeff (Michele) Koch of Plain; son-in-law Ernie Schoenfeld of New Zealand; grandchildren Melissa, Justin, Jamie, Ingrid, Christian, Kyle, Erik and Zach; great-grandchildren Claire, Ben, Eliza, Isaac, Lauren, Emily, Aubrey, Isla, Everly, Everett and Maren; sisters in-law Shirley Herman and Cathy Koch; and sister- and brother-in-law Brenda and Joe Holdnak.

Mari is preceded in death by her parents; husband Norman; daughter Sheryl Schoenfeld; grandson Jason Burns; great-granddaughters Ava and Addison Knapstien; brothers-in-law Ken Herman, David Koch, and Leonard Koch; and infant sister Rose Mary.

The family is deeply grateful and thankful for the care and love Mari received from Aggie's Country Living, Bloomer, WI, as this was her home the past 2-½ years. Mari commented often that she was so thankful for Aggie's and all who lived and worked there as she felt greatly loved, cherished, respected, and cared for. The family is also appreciative for the service of St. Croix Hospice, as this allowed Mari to complete her final days at her "Aggie's" home surrounded by the love and presence of her family and Aggie's staff.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services & Celebration of Life Center in Altoona is assisting the family. Per Mari's wishes, no formal services will be held. To offer online condolences, please visit www.chippewavalleycremation.com. Memorials may be sent to Aggie's Country Living or Dementia Coalition-Aging & Disability Resource Center of Chippewa County.