Irma Marie Koch

Irma Marie Koch, 94, surrounded by her loving family, slipped peacefully into the Lord's hands the evening of April 2, 2024.  Her family and friends were so thankful to be able to assure her of their love and her soon destination, during her last 11 days.

Irma was welcomed into a fun, large family by Robert Earl Sapp and Stella Louise Meacham on May 15, 1929.  The family name was changed to Proctor in 1936.

Irma enjoyed growing up in central California, playing amongst her 8 siblings.   She later attended both Pacific Union College and La Sierra College, finishing her teaching degree in Riverside, California.  She went on to get her Masters in Education.  Irma spent her career years teaching first and third grade, thriving as an outstanding and beloved teacher.  The next 30 years found Irma being chased down in numerous locations to be told she was their favorite teacher, by countless former students.

While at La Sierra University, Irma met the love of her life, Don Koch.  A highlight of her life was sailing the Liberte across the Atlantic to join and marry Don in Germany while he was in the service.  For the next three years, they made lifetime memories touring Europe with the U.S. 7^th Army Symphony Orchestra.

After 5 decades of life in southern California, Irma and Don chose to join the family and move to Coeur d' Alene where she was able to watch her granddaughter, Katelyn grow up.  Being an accomplished, beautiful artist, there are dozens of both purchased and gifted paintings from her hand, in many places of the world.  Very close to her heart was her joy in teaching art to students, something she never stopped doing.  She was also an avid gardener, joining the CDA Garden Club, painting some of the tour posters, and entering her own home in the tour in 2011.   

Irma used to pinch herself with how blessed she felt living here within the beauty and in the company of exceptional friends and neighbors here in Coeur d' Alene, in her final years.  After their move here, she and Don realized this is where their hearts were.   She was part of the Coeur d Alene Seventh Day Adventist church, enjoying helping with the gardening and decorating needs.  Most importantly,  Irma became 

part of a Grandma's Prayer Group, making this a priority with her now dearest of believing friends.   Irma was always thankful for the Christ-centered, encouraging relationships developed here.

Irma is survived by her daughter, Shena Koch, of Makawao, Maui, son Greg, daughter-in-law Sheri Koch and granddaughter Katelyn Koch of Coeur d Alene, sister Virginia Napier of Walla Walla, Washington, brother Lonnie Proctor and wife Sharon of Green Valley, Arizona, brother Lindy Proctor of Sonora, California as well as many nieces and nephews and their families.

Irma is leaving many never-to-be-filled holes in many hearts.  She was a light, amazingly ebullient, thoughtful, cheerful, and loving woman with an irreplaceable smile.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 21 at 2:00 pm at the Coeur d Alene Seventh Day Adventist Church, 111 E. Locust Ave.

Bell Tower Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.