Martina M. Kocher

Martina M. Kocher, 68, of Springfield, died on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at her home. Martina was born on February 19, 1940 in Karlsruhe, Germany, the daughter of August and Luise Fluck Gebhardt. Martina earned her Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics, specializing in Facility Management. Twenty-two years ago she was hired as the director of the Villa Maria Catholic Life Center and was responsible for many aspects, particularly focusing on establishing Villa Maria as a place of spiritual growth. Martina was a member of the Little Flower for 20 years, was active in Koinonia, and was a Springfield Dominican Lay Associate. She enjoyed spiritual retreats and was co-founder of DASK (Divorced and Separated Koinonia). She traveled to neighboring states, helping them implement their own programs. She loved to sing and was a member of the Springfield Choral Society, Prairieland Voices, and had also sung with the Symphony Chorus. She held a deep appreciation of the arts, classical music, flower gardening, traveling, cooking, and baking. Martina especially adored her grandchildren and loved being with her family. Preceding Martina in death were her parents, August and Luise. She is survived by her children, Anna K. Nidey of Jacksonville, Chris (wife, Laurel Heddens) Kocher of Belleville, Dan (wife, Jennifer) Kocher of Kirkwood, and Tim (wife, Teresa Recchia) Kocher of Oak Park; her grandchildren, Sean and Matt Nidey, Kathryn Heddens-Kocher, Liam Kocher, and Claire Heddens-Kocher; and four siblings, Ruth Gebhardt of Karlsruhe, Germany, Hans (wife, Eva) Gebhardt of Neckarwiehingen, Maria Gebhardt, and Ann Gebhardt of Buchs, Switzerland; one niece and one nephew; two great nieces and two great nephews; several cousins in Germany. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Family will receive friends for a memorial gathering from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703. A prayer service will begin at 6:00 p.m. A concelebrated funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at the Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield, IL 62703 with Rev. Robert Spriggs, principal celebrant. Shortly after 10:00 a.m., the Springfield Choral Society will sing a selection of Martina's favorite songs. Memorial contributions may be made to Pax Christi, 1709 S. Glenwood, Springfield, IL 62704 or Springfield Dominican Peruvian Fund, 1237 S. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62704.