Iona Kocerha

Iona Kocerha passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life defined by faith, family, hard work, and devotion to the values she held dear. Iona May Lee (Poen) Kocerha was born May 5,1934 to Leo G. Poen and Sarah Ruth (Ashcraft) Poen in Matheson, Colorado.

She was the fourth of four daughters, and her Dad was finally permitted to name a daughter “Iona.” Growing up in Matheson and Calhan, Iona was raised with a strong sense of community and personal responsibility that guided her throughout her life. She attended Calhan High School, where she participated in basketball and softball, developing the teamwork, perseverance, and discipline that became hallmarks of her character. After graduation, she and her family moved to Colorado Springs.

She and Bobby Allan Kocerha met in High School, but it was several years later, at a town dance in Ramah, Colorado, where their relationship blossomed. They were married on October 20, 1957.

She and Bob were members of First Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs. A woman of deep and abiding faith, she was very active in the Church, serving as a volunteer in many capacities, even having served as President of the Women’s ELCA Chapter. Her faith guided her daily life and was reflected in her compassion, humility, and service to others.

Iona will be remembered for her unwavering dedication and love to her family, instilling in her children the lessons of living a good life: integrity, honesty, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. She thoroughly enjoyed her time working at Alexander Film Company, as a Secretary at Horace Mann Jr. High, and later as a Tupperware Sales Representative. She was passionate about her volunteer work and the hobbies that filled her life with purpose and joy—music, sewing, quilting, crafting, and crocheting. But her true passion was playing cards, especially Bridge. She played in multiple Bridge groups spanning decades, mastered the best strategies, and absolutely loved winning.

Iona found joy in simple moments, time spent with loved ones, and the blessings of everyday life. She loved board games and played them with her children and her grandchildren. Iona welcomed many into her home as she loved hosting parties for her family and friends. We all have many memories of gathering to share Fargo’s Pizza for almost any occasion. She made the best vegetable pizza. Iona also made currant jelly and raspberry jam from the bushes in Bob’s garden. A few of her grandchildren would eat the raspberries straight from the bushes—leaving none for jam.

Iona was strong, smart, tenacious, thoughtful, loyal, and loved her family deeply. She rarely took "no" for an answer and challenged her girls to never give up. Iona is survived by her loving husband, Bob, her three daughters and sons-in-law, Catherine Leigh (Jon Wicklund), Patricia Marie (John Turner) and Sarah Faye (Michael Thompson), six grandchildren: Laura (Wicklund) Kennon (Ryan Kennon), Andrew Wicklund (Kari), John R. Turner, Alexander Turner, Jessica (Thompson) Frazier (Robert Frazier), and Joshua Thompson. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Emmalyn, Adelaide, Claire, Graham, Julia and Kate.

Iona will be remembered for her steadfast spirit, generous heart, and the example she set through a life well lived.

The Memorial service will be held on March 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 1515 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Iona's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the First Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.