Alice Irene Jenne

Alice was born in 1930 in a log farmhouse in Hansen Hollow, Akan Township, WI, to farmers Andy and Mary (Dalberg) Hansen. She often reminisced about her childhood on the family farm, surrounded by family and close friends. Even years later, she delighted in showing new family members the place where it all began, proudly sharing the history of Hansen Hollow.

Alice attended a small country school and graduated from Soldiers Grove High School before marrying Paul Koch on June 9, 1948. Together, they raised five children while farming in the area. In 1958, the family moved to Marengo, IL, where they managed a large farm for several years before both began working at Arnold Engineering. She and Paul built a life grounded in hard work, love of family, and lasting friendships.

Despite being fairly young when she was widowed in 1983, Alice was not very interested in marrying again. After repeated requests, she finally allowed mutual friends to set her up with Dale Jenne, who would become the second love of her life. They married in 1991 and shortly after, Alice retired after 34 years of service to Arnold. Their retirement years were spent enjoying family, gardening, volunteering at their church, and traveling to visit friends, family, and attend regular reunions with Dale’s WWII Navy buddies. These years were so fulfilling and busy, they often wondered how they ever had time to work. They shared many adventures, laughter, and love together until Dale’s passing in 2009.

Alice cherished time spent with her family, especially during family parties and reunions. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, and tending her yard - hobbies she lovingly passed down to the next generation.

Alice had a wide circle of friends and a calendar full of activities like bingo games, potlucks, theater trips to Fireside, and “girls’ lunches.” Her warmth, humor, and feisty wit made her beloved by everyone who knew her. She was a proud member of Marengo United Methodist Church, where she served as Treasurer of the Esther Circle, and she was also active in the American Legion Auxiliary Post #192.

Alice is preceded in death by her parents; both of her husbands; her siblings Marie (Ed) Herbst, Illa Jean (Wayne) Betts, Lavon Hanson, and Carole Ann Gray; and her step-children Richard Jenne and Beverly Cronnelly.

Alice is survived by her children: Larry Koch, Dallas (Darlene) Koch, Dennis (Ginger) Koch, Paulette (Russell) Hauri, and Mark (Peggy) Koch; 14 grandchildren; many great- and great-great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law Ray Gray, several nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

The visitation will be from noon Saturday, Nov. 1, until the funeral at 1 p.m. at Marengo United Methodist Church, 119 E. Washington St., Marengo. Interment will be in Marengo City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in her name to Marengo United Methodist Church or JourneyCare Hospice of Barrington.

Arrangements entrusted to Marengo-Union Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.marengo-unionfuneralhome.com.