Loretta Louise (Heberlein) Koch, 93, of Quincy, died December 10, 2021 at Quincy Healthcare and Senior Living, formerly St Vincent’s Home in Quincy IL. She was born August 4, 1928 in Liberty IL, a daughter of Herman and Anna “Viola” (Kaltenbach) Heberlein. She married James F. Koch on September 15, 1950 at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Liberty IL. He preceded her in death on June 12, 1999.

Loretta, attended Pleasant View Grade School, a one room school house outside Liberty near her home and graduated from Liberty High School in 1946. She received her R.N. nursing degree from St. Mary’s School of nursing, Quincy IL in 1949. She also attended Quincy College and St. Francis School of Rehabilitation in Peoria, IL.
Loretta, was head nurse of Pediatrics at St. Mary’s hospital and later head nurse of Fletcher Infirmary at the Illinois Veterans Home. She was recognized and selected as “Nurse of the Year” at the veterans home in the 1970’s. She retired in 1991 after over 41 years of nursing service.

Loretta, was a longtime member of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church and later a member at St. Francis Catholic Church. While at St. Dominic’s she did volunteer work and at St. Francis was a member of the Ladies of St. Francis. She attended Cursillo in 2004, sponsored by Rita Koch.

Loretta, was a member of the American Nurses Association, Illinois State Nurses Association, past treasurer of Nurses RC-23, AFSCME Retired State Employees, Western Catholic Union, past member of the Truman Club and a past election judge. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, country music, square dancing, flower and vegetable gardening, feeding the birds, cooking and baking, and her little dog Kelcy. She always looked forward to any family get togethers and spending time with family any chance she got. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all were spoiled by her generous Easter baskets and looked forward to receiving the little surprises she would put in them.

Her family would like to thank Dr. Adam Reyburn and his staff, Dr. Roula Tanios, all of the workers at Davita Dialysis, and most recently the workers at Quincy Healthcare and Senior Living, formerly St. Vincent’s Home for their compassionate care, also Jane Dietrich for bringing communion to her home.

Loretta is survived by:
HER CHILDREN: Patricia Koch of Springfield, IL; David Koch of Liberty, Bernard Koch (Susan) of Liberty and Randall Koch of Quincy. GRANDCHILDREN: David Koch (Taylor); Melissa Obert (Andrew) and Broc Hampsmire (Rachel). GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: David James Koch, Barrett Lee Koch, Piper Obert, Aidan Obert, Anna Hampsmire and Emma Hampsmire. SISTERS-IN-LAW: Virginia and Marilyn Heberlein. Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

In addition to her husband, Loretta was also preceded in death by her parents, four siblings: Mary Ann Loos along with her husband Glen, Leo Hebelein, Bernard ‘Bernie’ Heberlein, and Don Heberlein and a sister-in-law: Carolyn Boschert along with her husband Quentin.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 17, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 a.m. in St. Francis Catholic Church. Inurnment in St. Brigid Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, the American Kidney Association or to the Knights of Columbus TV Mass for Shut-ins. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com.