Clara Louise Kocher, age 81
October 2, 1943 – May 17, 2025

Clara Louise Kocher, age 81, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 4:08 PM - Saturday, May 17, 2025, at HSHS St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM - Saturday, May 24, 2025, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois with Fr. Pawel Luczak celebrating mass. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, May 23, 2025, and from 9:30-10:00 AM prior to the mass at the church. Burial will be in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Newton, Illinois. In loving memory of Clara, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Cancer Fund. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.

Clara Louise was born on October 2, 1943, at home in rural Ingraham, Illinois, in Clay County, the daughter of Herman and Laura (Volk) Bangert.  She graduated from Clay City High School, Class of 1962.

She married Harold Kocher on July 9, 1968, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wendelin, Illinois.  Harold and Clara had 49 years together until his passing on January 22, 2018.

Clara was a devoted member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church, where her faith and community spirit shone brightly. She was known for her warm smile and loving nature.  Her dedication to her faith and her family was evident in everything she did.   She embraced the role as a stay-at-home mom and was rewarded with grandchildren, great-grandchildren and was known by many others as "Granny Clara".

Clara had a passion for life that was reflected in her hobbies and interests. She found joy in solving puzzles, a pastime that engaged her mind and provided her with countless hours of enjoyment. Her love for quilting allowed her to create beautiful, handmade treasures that will be cherished by her family for generations to come. Bingo nights were a favorite, where she brought her infectious laughter to the table.

Clara's greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love for family was the cornerstone of her existence. She cherished every moment spent with them, whether it was sharing stories, cooking their favorite meals, or simply enjoying laughter-filled afternoons at the farm.

Clara was instrumental to the daily operations on the farm.  No task was too big or small for her to tackle.  She could easily be found driving a tractor, feeding and cleaning up after the animals, and simply enjoying a drive around the farm on the golf cart.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and devotion. Her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends, as they hold tight to the cherished memories of the woman who meant so much to so many.

Clara is survived by her 4 children- Nancy and husband Gary Lindemann; Jeff and wife Yvonne Kocher; Scott wife Angie Kocher all of Newton, Illinois and Amy husband David Stewart of Effingham, Illinois.

Grandchildren- Dusty (Chelsea) Lindemann; Ryan (Elizabeth) Kocher; Natasha (Lucas) Russell; Jacob (fiancé Claire Griffith) Lindemann; Marlee Kocher; Josie Lindemann; Kayla Kocher; Kyle Kocher; Kaiden Stewart and Brendan Stewart

Great-Grandchildren- Sophia, Brantley, Scarlett, Sylvia Kocher; Briar and Asher Lindemann; Grant and Layla Russell

Siblings- Dan Bangert, Marge Iffert Fulk, Mary Jo Hinterscher and Jean Kocher

Clara was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister Carol Stallard.