Koch, Emmett G. 95, joined our Lord on April 6, 2013 in the comfort and care of his immediate and extended family at Clare Oaks Nursing Home in Bartlett, Illinois. Emmett was born in Chicago, Illinois to Herman and Isabelle Koch on October 15, 1917. He lived all his life in the Chicago area, attending high school at Austin High in Chicago. After high school, Emmett quickly assumed employment in the family bakery business until his departure into the military. Emmett bravely served his country in World War II from 1942-1945 in the Army's 2nd Armored Division "Hell on Wheels" - 78th Armored Field Artillery Division. Emmett had a remarkable service record traveling through four years of duty, three years of which were overseas in Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, France, England, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. Emmett was recognized for his outstanding service record in both the D-Day invasion and the Battle of the Bulge where he served under General George Patton. Upon completion of his service, Emmett received 7 Battlestars for which he always remained proud. After the war, Emmett came back to the Chicago area where he met and married his wife, Irene (Kildahl) Koch who preceeded him in death after a marriage of 63 years. During his career, Emmett held a number of managerial positions with both Webcor and Zenith before his retirement. Emmett is survived by two devoted sons, Allen E. Koch and Jeffery H. (Joli) Koch; many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Genevieve. Visitation Wednesday, April 10, 2013 from 3:00-9:00 p.m. at Cuneo-Columbian Funeral Home 10300 W. Grand Ave. (one block east of Mannheim Rd.) Franklin Park, IL. Funeral service Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Cuneo-Columbian Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL In lieu of flowers, donations to National World War II Memorial would be appreciated. 847-455-1200 OR CUNEOCOLUMBIAN.NET
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Dear Allen and Jeff
I was so sorry to hear of your loss,actually a loss to all of us who knew your dad. He was a wonderful man who was the definition of the greatest generation. He loved you all very much. The card games and the stories will stay with me forever. Arthur
April 11, 2013
Allen and Jeff,
I am so truly sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Uncle Emmett was an amazing man.
Love from your cousin,
Mary Ann (Gomolski) & Mike Zimmerman
Mary Ann & Mike Zimmerman
April 10, 2013
Al, Jeff & Jodi - I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Emmett was such a wonderful man and exceptional person, and I am so honored that he was a part of my life. I know that he and Aunt Irene are together and smiling down on all of us. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With Love Your Cousin Sharon (Kildahl) Hollatz
Sharon Hollatz (Kildahl
April 10, 2013
Dear Jeffery, Allen and Joli,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. During my time at Clare Oaks, working in the activities dept. I came to know Emmett and what a wonderful person he was. During our many chats I found him to be a devoted husband, always talking lovingly about his Irene...a loving father, who was so proud of his two sons, happy for their accomplishments and his daughter-in-law, Joli, of whom he spoke so highly. Also, he was a proud American, sharing many stories of his service to our country in WWII. I am so fortunate that I came to know Emmett and feel priviliged that he considered me a friend. I will miss him.
Mary Montbriand
April 10, 2013
Jeff & Al - Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Please know that your "Circle" of friends share your loss. You both took such great care of your Dad (and your Mom) during these past few years with such dedication, ease and dignity. We're all very lucky to have so many good memories of all of you! I will never forget your Dad's great sense of pride in his family, his home & yard, and his great sense of humor and big smile, which never dulled!
With Love & Friendship,
Lynn Donahue
April 8, 2013
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