In Memory of Martin R. Koch

Martin R. Koch

Marty (my father) was a man of strong character. He was the father of 8 children and grandfather of 26 grandchildren . He loved farming and ranching and was very active in his community. He served as Cloud County Commissioner for 12 years, school board for 9 years, a member of the Mid-State Port Authority as well as serving on the Clyde Co-op Elevator Board.

On February 15, 1983, dad had a stroke that left his left side paralyzed. He did fairly well the next few years but was frustrated with his limitations. On May 31, 1987 he died in his sleep 6 days after his 65th birthday. I know this is the best "way to go" for the person who is dying, but as a loved one left behind I am left feeling I didn't get the chance to say my good-bye's, or just tell him how important he was to me. What an empty feeling this is. Until I worked in Hospice I did not realize how important this is. That is what Hospice does. The one thing having an illness that has a limited time frame does is let one "complete" there lives and relationships. It also gives loved ones a chance to say the things that are important to them. So dad, you are my HERO and I love you.

Dianne Michaud
Clyde, Kansas

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