Mary Martha Koca, Age 94 of New Lisbon passed away peacefully early February 9th, 2019 at Crest View Nursing home in New Lisbon. She was born December 7th 1924on the family farm and was the youngest of five children born to the marriage of Charles and Tereza (Lipnichun) Vesely. She grew up on that farm and attended elementary and high school in New Lisbon.
After graduation she was united in Marriage to James Joseph Koca Sr. on April 28th, 1943 at St. James Catholic Church in Camp Douglas. Mary and Jim lived in rural New Lisbon on the family farm until the mid-1940’s when they purchased a home on Wisconsin Street in New Lisbon. She and Jim resided there for over 50 years and Mary remained there for another 20+ years on her own.
Mary had 3 children from the Marriage to Jim Koca. She is survived by her son James Koca Jr. of Mauston, Daughter Janet (Rick) Barrett of New Lisbon and daughter in law Marion Koca, Mauston, as well as 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Mary is also survived by her sister Anna Sorenson, Hillsboro as well and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband James Koca Jr., son Jack Koca, daughter-in-law Lois Koca, sister Vlasta (Fred) Opas, brother’s Charles (Erma) Vesely, Frank (Jessie) Vesely and nieces Diane Vesely and Marilyn Snorek. Mary was a linotype operator for the local Times Argus Newspaper for several years and a bookkeeper at Bunker Ford for over twenty-two. Upon retirement she wore many hats such as acting secretary for the New Lisbon Chamber where she dedicated her time planning numerous annual Heritage Days Celebrations.
She also donated many hours to the New Lisbon Food pantry, her daughter’s 4-H Chapter and was a devout member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Mary’s memory will live on through the many talents she showed us in her cooking & baking along with her numerous afghans and knitted projects. She was a lover of birds and enjoyed a challenge each day as she worked the daily crossword puzzles and scrambles.
She was extremely proud of her Czechoslovakian heritage where she taught her family how to properly steam a dumpling and prepare and preserve sauerkraut. Mary was a friend to many and adored by her family each day of her life. Her sharp-witted personality and her love of a good joke will never be forgotten.
Mom often said, “A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot and realize how blessed you are”. Remember me with smiles and laughter for that’s the way I’ll remember you. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 11:00am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church (408 W. River St), New Lisbon, WI.
Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on Saturday from 9:00am until the time of service. Fr. Robert Letona presiding.
The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences available at www.
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