Joseph D. Kocher

Joseph D. Kocher, born in Rausch Creek on February 17, 1943, passed away Friday at home in Pottsville, surrounded by his loving family.

He graduated from Pine Grove High School, and proudly served his country as a mechanic in the U.S. Army with deployment to Germany. He loved to drive for both work and pleasure – trucks, cars, motorcycles, and even off-road vehicles. He was a regular entry at the local car shows with his ‘signal orange’ Porsche 911, and frequent poker-run participant with his Honda Shadow motorcycle. It wasn’t a surprise to get a visit from him on a nice day just so he could be out driving.

He was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, where he worked for 18 years handling the maintenance of the church and buildings until his retirement.  Well known in the Pottsville area, it was unlikely to meet someone who didn’t know him and his joyous sense of humor. He was always singing a song about what was happening that day – and he seemed to know them all. He had an amazing memory and loved to share stories with friends and family. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his beloved pets Daisy, Checkers, and Chance.

He was a loving father and very proud of his family. He will be remembered for his fun nature and the ‘character’ that he really was.

He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Esther Kocher, and his brother, Paul Kocher in 2005.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Joann; daughter, Marisa Fernsler and her husband Steve, Pottsville; son, Joseph and his wife Gretchen, Auburn; brother, Dave Kocher, Abbotstown; and 4 grandchildren, Katelynn, Shane, and Kelsey Hranchock, and Emily Kocher; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was part of so many lives and will be deeply missed because of his generous and caring nature.

Funeral Services will be held 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening, at Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home, 515 W. Market St., Pottsville, with Pastor Lou Hornberger officiating. Family and friends may call Tuesday evening from 6 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Salem United Methodist Church Youth Missions Fund, 133 S. Liberty St., Orwigsburg, PA 17961.
 

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