JUDITH KOCH

Judith “Judy” Ann Koch, of Wright passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at her home on Sunday, March 1, 2026.  She was 77 years old.

Judy was born on August 2, 1948, in Elk River, Minnesota to parents George and Lillian (Neumann) Kriesel.  She graduated from St. Francis high school in 1966.

In 1967, Judy was united in marriage to Paul Koch Jr.  They made their home in the St. Francis area and were blessed with 2 daughters.  Judy worked at Honeywell for over 20 years before the family moved to the Wright area in 1982.  Judy spent many years working at the Village Pump in Tamarack, selling pull tabs to benefit MS and the Tamarack Sno Flyers before retiring.

Judy loved spending time in her kitchen cooking and baking, making homemade sausage with Paul, and canning—making over 500 quarts of dill pickles one year alone.  Her favorite gifts to give were the QVC Lock n’ Locks storage containers, which filled her home and the homes of her family and friends.  She enjoyed gardening, fishing, and crocheting.  Trips to the casino with her husband and her sisters were never dull.  Judy lived a life full of glitz and sparkle and will always be remembered for her gift of gab and the great love she had for her family.  She will be dearly missed.

Judy is survived by her husband Paul; children, Georgina (Joseph Jr) Petersen and Trisha Lawrey (Thomas Demenge Jr); grandchildren, Joey Petersen (Christian Page), “CJ” Lawrey, Lily (Kaleb) Lesner, and Allen Demenge; great grandchildren, Willow Lesner, Kharma Valentine, Deliliah Valentine, and Raelyn Lattanzio; sisters, Sharon Cleath, Charlene Jerpseh, and Jacie Lemke; many other relatives and friends.

A Private Family Celebration of Judy’s Life will be held.

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