John R. Kocher, 78, of Lawrence County, IL, passed away at his home December 27, 2022. John was born February 7, 1944 in Lawrence County, IL the son of Robert and Agnes Kocher. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School/Rivet in 1962 and he married Phyllis Glass on June 4, 1966 and they made their life together on the farm for 56 years. When John was in high school, he took over farming operations of the family farm after the death of his father. He was devoted to the land, and farming was his passion. He was a member of the Old Cathedral/St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

John is survived by his wife, Phyllis Kocher, their children, Andrew (Gwen) Kocher, Anne (Matt) Horrall and Keith (Melanie) Kocher. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and his brothers George (Sharon) Kocher and Urban (Marlene) Kocher.

He was preceded in death by 2 grandchildren, his parents and a brother Richard Kocher.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday December 31, 2022 at the Old Cathedral by Fr. Tony Ernst officiating at 10:00 AM. He will be laid to rest in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday at Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home. Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home is honored to assist John's family during their time of loss.