Theodore A. Kocher, 95, of Newton, IL passed away at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at Newton Rest Haven. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.  Visitation will be held from 9 – 10 a.m. preceding the service at the church. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Marie American Legion.

Ted was born on June 15, 1919 in rural Newton, IL, the son of Daniel and Ella (Kessler) Kocher. Until this past December, he lived his entire life in the same home and farmstead. He had a deep love of God and took great pride in being a farmer, a WWII veteran and most of all a father, grandfather and great grandfather.

He married Martha E. Drewes on February 4, 1947 and raised two daughters and a son. He put all of his children through 4 years of college on 200 acres, 40 sows and 20 Angus beef cows. To his son, Ted passed his love and passion for the land he farmed and caring for the livestock. He let his children learn from their mistakes, but was always there to pick them up and give them guidance.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Martha, on February 1, 2013; his parents; his daughter, Sheryl Paul; 3 brothers Elmer, Urban, and Sylvan Kocher; and 3 sisters, Delphine Kocher, Helen Frichtl and Florence Berry.

He is survived by:

Son and Daughter-In-Law--Ed and Lora Kocher of Newton, IL

Daughter and Son-In-Law--Cathy and Rocky Schultz of Red Oak, TX

Son-In-Law--Chuck Paul of New Lenox, IL Grandchildren--Scott (Lindi) Kocher of Conway Springs, KS

Matt (Kerryann) Kocher of Fishers, IN

Jonathan Paul of New Lenox, IL

Christina Paul of Methuen, MA

Andrea (Justin) Friesenhahn of Austin, TX

Jeffrey Schultz of Ennis, TX

Great Grandchildren—Owen and Emily Kocher

Clea and Kirby Kocher

Lucas Friensenhahn

Sister—Viola Keller of Newton, IL