Frances L. Koch, 99 years old of La Porte, IN, died at 5:35 A.M. Saturday, July 17, 2010 at her home. She was born February 24, 1911 in La Porte, Indiana, Daughter of Frank L. and Angeline Chmielowiec Chulpacek.
She attended Sacred Heart School, then her parents moved to Galena Township and there she attended Barnes School. She then attended Mud Creek School in Heston, where she walked two miles to a corner and met a stage coach and rode two more miles to school. She graduated from LaPorte High School and then Reese School of Business.
She worked for the T.B. Association for three years; ten years at Consumers Coffee and Butter Store (now Kroger's); ten years for Bell Lock; 12 years for the Athletic Shoe Company; 3 years as a School Bus Driver; 15 years for the Law Firm of Osborn, Lanigan and Osborn. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Circle 6, and St. John's Thrift Shop for over 32 years; Herald-Argus Stuffers for 23 years; and Friendly Neighbors Extension Club for over 50 years.
She couldn't sing, dance or march, so she joined the Fun Follies Entertainers. She was their Master of Ceremonies for 10 years where she entertained the guests with various humorous stories while the cast was costume changing. She also furnished entertainment for both of LaPorte's Nursing Homes, once a month for 23 years. She enjoyed demonstrations and fellowship. Taught cake decorating, making many cakes, giving many away as gifts. Enjoyed housework, cooking, gardening, berry picking, crafts, flower arranging, candy making, needle work and playing cards. Her traveling included the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia and Aftica.
Surviving are her Daughter, Phyllis Roberts of North Fort Myers, FL; Daughter in Law, Bonnie Schoff of Nachez Washington; 14 Grandchildren; several Great Grandchildren, Great-Great Grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; 3 husbands, Charles L. Jackson, Homer L. Schoff and George J. Koch; 1 Daughter, Dorothy Mae Jackson Cox; 1Step Daughter, Marjorie Daunt; 2 Step Son's, Herbert C. and Walter L. Schoff; 4 Brother's, Frank C., Leo, Joseph and Edward Chlupacek; 1 Sister, Mary Magdziarczyk; and 1Grand Daughter, Karen Cites.
Friends will be received from 4-6 P.M. Tuesday, July 20, 2010 and on Wednesday from 10-11 A.M. at the Cutler Funeral Home, LaPorte, IN.
Services will be held at Cutler Funeral Home, 11 A.M., Wednesday, July 21, 2010 with Rev. Ronald Brauer officiating. Interment will follow in the Pine Lake Cemetery , LaPorte, IN.
Contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 111 Kingsbury Ave., LaPorte, IN 46350. Friends may leave condolences at www.cutlerfuneral.com.