Julie A. Koch, 56, of Baileyville, died on Friday evening, May 27, 2022 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, surrounded by her family. Her death was a shock, as she was sick for only a few hours, just admitting to the hospital on Thursday evening.

Julie was born on March 28, 1966 to Julian J. and Virginia Mason Schmitz in Axtell, Kansas. Julie grew up in the St. Bridget area and attended school at St. Michael’s Grade School and graduated from Axtell High School in 1984

Julie married Gerald “Jerry” Koch on July 26, 1986 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell.  The young couple lived with Jerry’s mother for a few years; and Julie helped her mother-in-law milking cows, she also milked cows for Fishers in the Beattie area.

Julie loved to feel useful and helpful and her jobs throughout her life exhibited that trait; she was employed at Twin Valley Group Home in Beattie, Life Care Center of Seneca and was currently employed by the Nemaha County Training Center, where she enjoyed the help and care she gave to her current clients.  She was also a past employee of Ray’s IGA Deli, where her smiling face was a welcomed site to many during their noon hour.

When Julie wasn’t working, she was an active cheerleader at her family’s activities. She loved to sew, making quilts for friends and family.  She always went above and beyond with the dishes that she brought to family functions, including Jell-O eggs every Easter. Julie had a deep love for the holidays. She would dress up, decorate her house, and even spread the seasonal joys to her children's mom. Coming from a large family you could always find her by her infectious laugh that would carry throughout the house.  She enjoyed wining at card games, even against her grandson.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baileyville.

Julie was preceded in death by her father, Julian on April 30, 2015; her mother-in-law, Dorothy Mae “Dot” Koch on June 17, 2019; her sister-in-law, Rosalie “Rosie” Ann Koch Haverkamp on October 19, 2009; and brothers-in-law, Peter M. Koch on February 13, 2008 and Nicholas F. “Nick” Koch on January 5, 2021.

She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Jerry; her children, Jeremy Koch of Baileyville, Jody (Caleb) Swanson of Topeka, Adam Koch of Baileyville and Michelle Koch of Seneca; her mother, Virginia Schmitz of Axtell; her siblings, Joyce (Scott) Houle of Cle Elum, Washington, Tom (Tracy) Schmitz of Mulvane, Kansas, Vickie Schmitz of Galva, Kansas, Doug (Beth) Schmitz of Salina, Kansas, David (Valerie) Schmitz of Axtell, Dan (Carrie) Schmitz of Beattie and Andy (Jana) Schmitz of Wamego; and her grandchildren, Gabe and Chloe.

A rosary will be prayed at 7 PM on Tuesday evening, May 31, 2022 at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baileyville. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Memorial are to be designate at a later date, sent in care of the family.

To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .