Jeannine Koch

Jeannine Koch joined her Lord and Savior in Heaven on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. She was 85 years old. Jeannine was born to LaRue and “Dutch” Eisele in Amanda, Ohio on June 9, 1937. Amanda was a small community near Middletown, Ohio. She was born prematurely at home, weighing 2 ¾ pounds. She appeared to be dead when first born, but her father saw one of her fingers move, he gave her CPR, and revived her. She was laid in a shoe box near the wood burning heater in the home to keep her warm. Jeannine was one of four children born to the Eisele’s. Her siblings in their order of birth were William Eisele, Betty Smith, and Marjorie Smith. Her parents and siblings preceded her in death. She attended grammar school and high school in Middletown and graduated from Middletown High with honors. As part of her high school requirements, she worked part time her Senior year at Gardner Board and Carton Company in Middletown. Jeannine became a fully dedicated Christian on Palm Sunday in 1946. She met Gary Koch, her husband of 66 years, in 1955. The couple married in 1956 and had three wonderful children together: Gary Koch, Jr. of Dayton, Ohio, Mark (Lisa) Koch of Griffin, Georgia, and Rebecca (Lynn) Battershell of Venice, Florida. She also has 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Jeannine often said, “God called me to be a pastor’s wife before He called Gary to the ministry.” The couple served in seven churches in five states over a period of 60 years. She dedicated herself to raising her children and being an ideal pastor’s wife. She also served as a secretary to Bishop Copp, a former General Superintendent of the United Brethren Church, and later to two District Superintendents. She was also an accomplished musician. Jeannine’s health had been declining for the last four years. Her family members already miss her joyful smile and her kind spirit. But all look forward with great anticipation to being with her again when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to take us to our final home. A celebration of Life service is planned for Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 3pm, at Venice Church of the Nazarene, 1535 E. Venice Avenue in Venice, Florida. In remembrance of Jeannine, memorial contributions can be made to Gideons International.

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Jeannine Koch

June 9, 1937 - April 11, 2023