Nancy Lou (Miessler) Koch

Nancy Lou (Miessler) Koch was born to Paul T. and Hilda L. (Heartel) Miessler on may 6, 1940 in South Bend, IN. In 1948 they moved to Green Bay, WI. She was baptized on May, 30 1940 by her grandfather in Chicago, IL. She attended public school here and graduated from West High School in 1958. She then attended Milwaukee Downer College where she majored in Occupational Therapy. In June, 1959 she attended a Sunday service at Redeemer Lutheran Church, her home congregation, and met a seminary student J. Robert Koch who was conducting his first service. They were married one year later on June 18, 1960 at Redeemer Church in Green Bay. Their 51 year marriage was blessed with three children, two daughters, Nana Letitia who lived only one month and Kathryn Ann Koch Kirchner who was born with Cystic Fibrosis and died awaiting a double lung transplant at age 33. Nancy took great pride, joy and fulfillment being a wife and mother. Following their marriage, Nancy and her husband became a true team, dedicating their lives and ministry to serving the Lord in congregations in Washington Dc, San Antonia, TX, Lancaster, Ohio. They also served Concordia College, River Forest, IL and the Wheat Ridge Foundation, Chicago, IL. In 1973 they were called to Faith Lutheran Church of Allouez, where they served 25 years, retiring in 1998.. Since then, they have continued serving congregations in Naples, FL, Birmingham, Al and wherever they were needed. Nancy loved the Lord and served in any capacity she was needed. Her friendly nature, gentle spirit, and love and respect for all people, blessed everyone she met. She truly enjoyed music and participating in choral groups as well as being active in the LWML locally and internationally. During the final years of their ministry, Nancy and her husband hosted numerous trips to Israel and Egypt, Turkey and Greece, Europe, Scandinavia and Russia. Her enthusiastic love of the Lord touched the lives of many, wherever she traveled. In 2006, Nancy began her struggle with cancer. She fought bravely and was an inspiration to all who knew her. Finally, the Lord called her home to heaven on Friday, August 12 at the age of 71 years. She always remarked the theme of her life was “Rejoice in the Lord Always…” Phil.4:4. She is survived by her husband Rev. Dr. J. Robert Koch., a son Dr. J. Paul (Nicolina) Koch and their children, Conner and Kailey of Birmingham, AL; Philip Kirchner (Dawn) and their children; Abby and Olivia, Green Bay; one brother, Fred Miessler, Rockford, IL and also by nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was her father, Paul T. Miessler, mother, Hilda Nack and step-father, Hugo Nack, two daughters; Nana Latitia and Kathryn Ann Koch Kirchner. Visitation will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 2335 S. Webster Ave., Green Bay from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, and on August 20, 2011 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. The service of praise and thanksgiving will be held at 11:00 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Peter Speckhard, pastor of the congregation. Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, Allouez. Cotter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the KATHRYN ANN KOCH KIRCHNER FOUNDATION, which offers support to families and children with cystic fibrosis. This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24.

Reception:
Faith Lutheran Church
2335 S. Webster Avenue
Green Bay, WI 54301