Marjorie Jean Koch

Our Mom, Marjorie Jean Koch, died February 17th, 2021, after a long battle with Lung Cancer and Dementia at Cascade Manor, Eugene, OR. She was born to Kathryn and Ed Wilson on October 30, 1929, in Ottawa, Illinois the day after the collapse of the Stock Market that led to the Great Depression of the 1930’s. She was an only child, but was blessed with many cousins and friends, making her childhood fun. She remembered, with great fondness, her high school years and often talked about them. Taking Ballet and Tap dance classes, being on the Water Ballet swim team and writing for the school newspaper were some of the things she shared with us. Mom attended Southern Illinois University (she was very proud to be a Saluki!) where she met our Dad, Charles B. Koch. Love blossomed and they were married on December 27, 1950 at St. Columba Catholic Church in Ottawa. Mom taught school and worked in dental offices while Dad was in medical school and they started a family shortly after he graduated. For the first 18 years of their married life, they lived in Wisconsin, where Mom kept busy with the four of us and maintained a spotless home. In 1968 after much deliberation, Mom and Dad moved the family to Eugene, Oregon. Dad started his practice at Eugene Hospital and Clinic and Mom again kept busy with us and her home. She and Dad had a lot of fun exploring Oregon with their trailer, eventually finding Mercer Lake Resort, which became the yearly summer vacation spot, continuing to this day. Mom loved swimming at the pool and playing golf at Eugene Country Club, with Dad and with her friends on Ladies Day. She became involved with the Ladies Club, serving in various capacities and became President of the Ladies Club in 1984. She received many accolades for her work and was honored to hold the position. During their retirement years, Mom and Dad spent time in Arizona and the Gulf Coast of Alabama which led to new friends and activities. Mom became very excited to celebrate Mardi Gras, filling the entire condo with beads, masks and other Mardi Gras decorations. She loved a good party! After the loss of her beloved husband Charlie in 2012, she eventually sold the family home and resided at Cascade Manor for 6 years. Mom became known for her Marge-isms, which included “You’ve got the moxie, you know the score”, “I’m as good as gold” and a few others that made everyone smile. Mom is survived by her family: Sue (Bob) Burns of De Pere, WI; Pat (Monte) Mordini of Portland OR; Dr. C.B.”Chuck”Koch of Eugene, OR; and Ed (Cindy) Koch of Salem, OR. She is further survived by her Grandchildren: Mike Burns; Patrick (Teresa) Burns; Tommy (Jodi) Burns; Ross Mordini; Emily Mordini (Fiance Matt Turner); Michelle Frederiks (Chad) and Katie Koch (Fiance Scotty Snowden). Great Grandchildren: Tisha Burns (fiance Kyle Timm), Ashlyn Burns, Aidan Burns, Benny Burns and baby Burns (due in May); Kaelyn Dobson, and Addison Frederiks. We would like to thank the staff at Cascade Manor, who were so good to Mom and gave her such excellent care over the years. To say they were awesome is an understatement. Finally, one of the things that was important to Mom was taking care of those people who served her. She always made sure to give tips to the newspaper deliverer, treats for the postal worker, and so on. In lieu of flowers or memorials, we ask that you perform a random act of kindness for someone in her honor. Funeral services will be private, family only at a later date, due to Covid 19.