LaVerna Mae Koch

LaVerna Mae "Aunt Boonie" Bammert Koch, 83, died at home Thursday, March 10, 2011, from a long battle with lung cancer with her family by her side. LaVerna's viewing will be Friday (3-18-2011) from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., at Morgan Funeral Choices, Mount Vernon, and after 10:00 a.m., Saturday at the church. Funeral Mass, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 19, 2011, in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Mechanicsville, by Reverend Andrew Kelly. LaVerna will be buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Mechanicsville. Surviving LaVerna are five children: Michael (Sheryl) Koch, Patrick Koch, Judy (Ron) Ferguson, Daniel (Lonni) Koch, and Thomas (Shelly) Koch; twelve grandchildren: Anthony, Chris, Joshua, Bradley, Scott, Traci, Leslie, Jade, Jacob, Devin, Macy and Logan; eight great-grandchildren: Zach, Grayson, Lilly, Cade, Isabella, Ramsey, Rigley, McKane; and twins on the way; three sisters: Lois (Marvin) Colton, Bonnie Hughes, Myrna McKee; and brother-in-law Dennis Kupps. Preceding LaVerna in death were her parents Fred and Elva Hopper Bammert, her husband William who died May 28, 2010, a brother Melvin Bammert, a sister Nancy Kupps, and a half-sister Juanita Goben. LaVerna was born December 21, 1927 and graduated from McKinley High School, Cedar Rapids. She married William "Bill" Koch April 5, 1948 in Cedar Rapids. In 1948, LaVerna and Bill established Koch's Paint Co., and grew the business into Koch's Paint and Lumber. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. In support of her community, she served as a Camp Fire leader, City Councilman, was active in the Commercial Club, and a Justice of the Peace. She had a passion for people and people had a passion for her. She will be missed. A memorial fund in LaVerna's name is established. On-line condolences: www.morganfuneralchoices.com LaVerna's battle was made easier by the awesome staff of Above and Beyond Hospice Care of Monticello.