In loving memory of

Ellen Lucille Koch
August 2, 1946 - December 1, 2020

Ellen L. Koch, 74, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa from complications of COVID 19.

Due to the COVID 19 pandemic there will be no public visitation or services at this time. A private family service will be held. Cremation has taken place. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Ellen Lucille Messerer was born on August 2, 1946 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, to Hoyt Cargin and Lucille Harriett (Muschewske) Messerer. She was a 1965 graduate of Price Labratory High School and Cottey College in 1966. She then attended the University of Northern Iowa where she graduated in 1968 and later received her Master's degree. She married Eldon L. Koch on December 21, 1967 in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Three children were born to this union, Seth, Matthew, and Sarah.

Ellen had taught high school English at Monticello, East Central and Central of DeWitt school districts. She enjoyed success coaching speech and drama and directing school plays.

Through the years Ellen had lived in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Savannah, Georgia, Hialeah, Florida, and from 1979 until present Maquoketa.

Ellen had been a member of the Maquoketa Chapter BX, P.E.O. In addition to spending time with her family and friends, she was a successful semi-pro tennis player during her time in Florida. She spent time reading, walking and attending her grandchildren's activities. She also had a love of dogs over the years including her final K-9 companion, Hank.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Eldon Koch of Maquoketa, IA; children, Seth (Alice) Koch of Tama, IA, Matt (Michelle) Koch of Coralville, IA, and Sarah (Greg) Crom of Maquoketa, IA; and 5 grandchildren, Grant, Lane, Mason, Cade and Quinn Koch. She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the Friends of the Maquoketa Public Library in care of the Ellen L. Koch family at Carson Celebration of Life Center, 318 West Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa 52060.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family. Please feel free to call or stop at the funeral home with notes of support or leave words of comfort on the funeral home website at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Tributes

Phyllis Fahrenkrug Berodt wrote on Dec 7, 2020:

"Deepest sympathy for the loss of your wife Ellen!"

Stub and Cindy Pape wrote on Dec 6, 2020:

"So sorry Eldon, Sarah and family for your loss Keeping you all in our prayers. Stub and Cindy"

Joel Riley wrote on Dec 4, 2020:

"So sorry Eldon to hear of the passing of your wife. My prayers are with you and your family. Un abrazo, Joel"

Bill Lennon wrote on Dec 4, 2020:

"Hi Eldon, so sorry to hear about your wife. I remember the conversation that we had in the van to the airport in Springfield about how our wives had similar health problems. Un grand abrazo, Bill Lennon "

Karen Manning wrote on Dec 4, 2020:

"I\'m so sorry for your difficult times and your great loss. Ellen touched so many young lives and older ones, too!"

Shelley Cooper wrote on Dec 3, 2020:

"Dear Eldie, so sorry to hear of your loss. It is never easy to lose a loved one. Praying for your peace and comfort from God. Shelley Cooper"

ALLEN & BARB BERG wrote on Dec 3, 2020:

"ELDON & FAMILY WE ARE SO SORRY FOR ELLEN\'S PASSING.. HOPING FOR HEALING PRAYERS FOR YOUR FAMILY I THINK OF YOU OFTEN AS WE GO BY. ALLEN & BARB BERG"

Everett Egginton wrote on Dec 3, 2020:

"Hi Eldie, I?m so sorry to hear of the passing of your wife. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Please take care and keep in touch. Everett Egginton "

Coleman Felser wrote on Dec 3, 2020:

"Hi Eldie, So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. It was so great to see you at our reunion. Hope to see you if we have another. Stay well! Coley Felser"

Mel Parker wrote on Dec 3, 2020:

"Eldy, family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish the best for you all. "

John Sullivan wrote on Dec 3, 2020:

"Heart Felt Condolences to and your family Eldy John Sullivan "

Jim Giacomazzi wrote on Dec 3, 2020:

"Sorry to hear such sad news. Condolences to Eldy and family from all of his Venezuela 1965-67 PE Peace Corps friends."

rhonda pape wrote on Dec 3, 2020:

"I remember riding to work with her for a short time - she was such a sweet lady."

Judy Bowling wrote on Dec 3, 2020:

"Seth and family, sending sincerest condolences to all of you in the loss of Ellen."

Evie Redling wrote on Dec 3, 2020:

"She was a teacher of mine many years ago and then, I got a job at the library and there she was finding stuff for the kids to share because they didn\'t have a lot of their own! She always had a smile and a fantastic mind! She knew my name after 20 years of teaching me for 1 year! I hope you all find joy in your memories! So sorry for your loss! Evie Redling"

Dianne Henry wrote on Dec 2, 2020:

"My sympathy to you, Eldon, and your family. I always enjoyed visiting with Ellen. When substituting at the high school, she always remembered us secretaries with flowers and gifts. "

Linda Block wrote on Dec 2, 2020:

"Eldon, I am so sorry for the passing of your wife. Hoping your sadness will soon be replaced with good memories."

Nick Willey wrote on Dec 2, 2020:

"My thoughts and prayers are with Seth Koch, his Dad, and siblings at this sad time for their whole family. "