Verdell Hines Meyers Koch

Verdell (Amanda Bertha Gieseke Hines Meyers) Koch passed away peacefully at her home in Merritt Island, Florida on August 26th, 2024 at the age of 93, surrounded by family. She will be dearly missed by her children: Dennis (Lisa) Hines, Mark (Debbie) Hines, Mary (Darryl) Mullins, Ruth (Scott) Speelman, and nephew-like-a-son Michael (Diana) Ball, as well as her 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and countless relatives and friends.

She was born on July 15,1931 in St. James, Minnesota. For college, Verdell attended Valparaiso University, Concordia College and Bethany Lutheran College, where she toured with their choir. After marriage she lived in New Haven, Connecticut before moving to Florida living in Key West, Miami, Homestead, Orlando, Grant, and Merritt Island. During her lifetime she worked as a church secretary, preschool and kindergarten teacher, preschool director, Burger King worker, and co-editor of a local magazine in Grant, Florida.

After settling in Merritt Island, Florida in 1966, she was a founding member of Faith Lutheran Church on Merritt Island. She saw a need in the ‘70s for childcare on the Island and opened the daycare at Faith Lutheran in 1974, followed by the preschool in 1975. Her love of children was seen in her life’s work, as she taught in many churches during her life and worked steadfastly for the Lord in all her endeavors.

Verdell was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, a faithful servant of God, a wonderful boss, an exceptional educator, a fierce friend, and a world champion hugger. She was as salty as she was sweet, funny and formidable, as well as dedicated and passionate. She loved Jesus, her family and friends, flowers and plants, pie, all things lemon flavored, music, singing, going out on lunch dates, having adventures, and of course, laughing at all the shenanigans she got into along the way.

We will celebrate her life Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church on Merritt Island. A viewing will precede the service at 1:00 pm. The committal graveside service will be held Monday, September 9, 2024 at 10:00am in Florida Memorial Gardens, Rockledge, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Verdell’s name to Faith Lutheran Church or Faith Lutheran Preschool, 280 E. Merritt Avenue, Merritt Island, FL, 321-452-4080 or https://faithlutheranmi.org/