Beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at Barton Woods Assisted Living in Freeland. She was 88 years old. Lila Mae Stark was born on May 10, 1930, in Saginaw, to the late Paul and Gladys (Loeffler) Stark. She married William E. Koch on September 1, 1950; he preceded her in death on April 9, 2009. Lila was employed by Saginaw Steering Gear as secretary to the plant manager at Plant #3. She retired after 30 years of service. Lila was a member of St. Pauls Ev. Lutheran Church, a longtime member of the Saginaw Choral Society, a member of the Saginaw Bay Yacht Club, and the Holiday Ramblers RV Club. She enjoyed boating on the Great Lakes and later travelled extensively with her motor home. Lila loved living on her centennial farm.
Surviving are two children: Stevan (Shirley) Koch of Kalkaska, MI; Karen (Walter) Cox of Freeland; a son-in-law, Russell Herlache of Freeland; three grandchildren: Ellen (John) Pretzer of Hemlock; Kristie (Mike) Wilkens of Kalkaska; Erin (Travis) Roop of Hampton, NJ. Also surviving are six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Koch; daughter, Jacquelin Herlache; Granddaughter, Laura Herlache.
Honoring Lilas wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church.
Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603