Dorothy Mae “Dot” Koch passed away on June 17, 2019 at the Nemaha Community Hospital surrounded by her family.

Dorothy was born on May 12 – Mother’s Day – 1931 on a farm southeast of Seneca, the daughter of George and Stella (Lierz) Mergenmeier.  She attended numerous one room schools, and graduated from the 8th grade at St. Peter & Paul Catholic School. She then worked in numerous restaurants including the old Dutch Mill.

Dorothy married Sylvester “Ves” John Koch on April 15, 1950 and they then lived on a farm northwest of Baileyville.  They purchased a farm southeast of Baileyville in 1965 where they had 2 more children and raised 12 children.  When Ves died on March 16, 1970 Dot continued the dairy farm operation with the help of all her children.  She also then started raising and selling dogs.  In 1976, Dot and family was selected as the Kansas Farm Family of the year and were the national runner up.  In 1990, she sold the dairy cows and retired.  She then started giving her time to “go play bingo” six nights per week, with Saturday night being church night at the Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville.

Dorothy is survived by 10 children plus 2 who preceded her in death.  They are:  Nick (Ann) Koch of Cheraw, CO; Jerry (Julie) Koch of Baileyville, KS; Charlie (Annette) Koch of Baileyville, KS; Greg “Beaver” (Deb) Koch of Baileyville, KS; Tom “Bones” of Baileyville, KS; Deb (Randy) Warchuck of Ruth, MI; Annette Wietharn of Overland, KS; Mary (Doug) Wietharn of St. Marys, KS; Liz (Mike) Stallbaumer of Axtell, KS; Stellar Redder of Topeka, KS( Pete and Rosie who previously passed on).  She is also survived by her sisters, Eleanor Rusche, Seneca and Jeanette Graham, Casper Wyoming; her brother, George Mergenmeier, Topeka; 40 grandchildren; and 58 great grandchildren.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Stella Mergenmeier of Seneca, KS; husband Ves; her son, Pete Koch of Baileyville, KS; her, daughter Rosie Haverkamp of Seneca, KS; and grandson Jeremiah Haverkamp of Seneca, KS.  

Rosaries will be prayed at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville at 2 & 7 PM on Thursday, June 20, 2019.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM at Sacred Heart on Friday, June 21st.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  

Memorials will be designated later.  The family request you wear red to any services you attend.  

Lauer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements