Carol L. Koch

Carol Lynn Koch (nee Rediger), 81, of Caledonia, entered into eternal life at 2:50 a.m. on Saturday, July 16th, at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford following a short illness. Born August 20, 1940 in Chicago, IL and raised in South Elgin, IL, Carol graduated from Elgin High School in 1958, and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb in 1962. After graduation, Carol worked as a grade-school teacher – she most enjoyed teaching the 3rd grade.

While at school in DeKalb she met Edward; they married on June 23, 1962 at St. Stephen’s Church in Chicago. A couple weeks ago Edward and Carol celebrated their 60th anniversary at a dinner party thrown by their children and grandchildren.

Carol enjoyed crafts, sewing, scrapbooking, reading, and being involved at church. She greatly enjoyed summers at the family’s Lake Geneva cottage, and winters at their Zephyrhills, Florida home. But most of all Carol loved her family – her main priority was to make the family home a happy, warm, supportive place for her husband and children, and later in life she loved spending time with her many grandchildren, attending their sporting events and other activities. Edward and Carol took all their children and their families to Disney World to celebrate their 50th anniversary, a wonderful trip we will all forever remember. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include husband, Edward, sons Wayne (June) Koch and Douglas (Jill) Koch, daughter Jill (Mark) McCulloh, and grandchildren Matthew (Leah) Koch, Brian (River) Koch, Regina Koch, Trevor McCulloh, Marissa Koch, Emily McCulloh, Philip Koch, Nadia Koch, Peter Koch, and Molly McCulloh. Predeceased by her parents Melvin and Dorothy.

Visitation on Thursday, July 21 from 12:00 – 2:00 at Christ the Rock Church, 8330 Newburg Road, Rockford, IL, followed by funeral service at 2:00, with Pastor Jim McCoid officiating. Burial at Lakewood Memorial Park in Elgin will be private.