Ralph J. Kocher, 97, of Olney, passed away on January 19, 2017 at Richland Memorial Hospital.

Ralph was born on November 3, 1919 near Alta Vista in Floyd County, Iowa to parents Leo Xavier and Ida Marie (Rennier) Kocher. He married Margaret (Weiler) Kocher on June 27, 1946 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olney, she survives him in death.

Ralph worked most of his life as an auto-body repairman. He was a perfectionist at his art of restoring cars. Ralph was a WWII Veteran having served in the US Army Air Corps Airborne Troop Carrier Division. He was a patriot and lifetime member of the American Legion and 40 & 8 and served as adjutant of the Legion for 30 years. Even in his retirement he never missed a veteran's funeral service. He was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the VFW, Knights of Columbus, The Elks, and The Moose. Ralph was a simple man who enjoyed a good conversation. He was married to his wife Margaret for 70 years and they loved to dance socially at weddings and parties especially the polka. He stayed very active by mowing yards, riding his bicycle and dancing well into his nineties. He enjoyed playing pinochle with friends and relatives and a good dinner followed by homemade ice cream. Ralph was a family man and much of his family time was spent at the Borah Lake cabin enjoying swimming, horseshoes and boating.

Survived by Wife, Margaret Kocher of Olney; (2 sons and 2 daughters); 17 Grandchildren, 39 Great Grandchildren; (1 brother); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by both parents; sisters, Helen Rennier, Serena Kaufmann, Sister Henrietta (Elizabeth) Kocher, Sister Hildegarde (Theresa) Kocher, Mary Ginder and Mildred Drewes; brothers Elmer Kocher, Harold Kocher and Myron Kocher, and grandson, Matthew Kocher.