Mavis Ann Kocha

Mavis “Mae” Kocha, age 86, De Pere is reunited in heaven with her dear husband, Peter Kocha Jr. She passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 27, 2022, with her family by her side.

Mae was born in Shawano on October 25, 1935, to the late Gottlieb and Ida (Peters) Kunschke. Mae married Peter at St. Joseph Church in Green Bay on May 21, 1955. She was an active member at St. Joseph’s where she was a religious education teacher, a Scout leader, Altar Rosary member, and eucharistic minister. In 1995 they moved to De Pere and joined St. Francis Xavier Parish. Mae started her career as a secretary after graduating from Shawano High School. When her children went to school, she began working at Humana Insurance Company, advancing through secretarial, claims and human resource leadership roles. After 26 years, Mae retired in 2001. She made many good friends and lasting relationships at Humana that she treasured.

Following retirement, Mae found great joy in volunteering within her community. She humbly accepted recognition for her accomplishments including Civis Princeps Silver Knight Award at St. Norbert’s College 2008, Nan Workman’s Appreciation award from White Pillars Museum in 2010 and President of De Pere Christian Outreach 2006-2010. Mae also loved volunteering at the Love Life Ministry, Packer Country Convention and Visitors Bureau, Meals on Wheels program, Friends of Brown County Human Services, St. Norbert College Children’s Center, Aging and Disability Resource Center, Bay Area Humane Society and Christmas Adopt a Family programs.

Within this busy volunteer schedule, she always made time for her grandchildren. Her pancakes, Christmas cookies, sleepovers and adventures around De Pere are just some of their favorite memories. And she was blessed to be a great-grandma. Mae enjoyed traveling, walking, going to the movies, concerts, plays and was a huge Packer and Brewers Fan.
Mae is survived by her five children, Robbin, Bart (Carol), Pam, Alan (Tim) and Lorie (Neal); six grandchildren, Adam (Misty), Dane (Molly), Elizabeth (Justin), Anne, Caroline and Maryclaire; and two great grandchildren, Serenity and Gabriel. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Ruth Zogleman, Esther Dillenburg and Henrietta Buettner; and three brothers, Elroy, Eldor and Rolland Kunschke.

Mae’s family is especially grateful to the staff and residents at Renaissance Assisted Living who provided her with a home and loving friendships. Special thanks to cousins Audrey and Wayne who greatly brightened her days with rides, support and laughter.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to De Pere Christian Outreach in memory of Mae.

Visitation will be from 9am until 10:45am at St. Francis Xavier (220 S. Michigan St. De Pere), with a Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Father Mike Ingold at 11am. Cotter Fueral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.