Fr. Donald C. Kocher Funeral

February 15, 2024

Father Donald C. Kocher, age 93, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Residence, Naperville. He was born on December 18, 1930 in Aurora, Illinois.

Growing up on his family farm in Naperville, Father attended a one-room schoolhouse at Saints Peter & Paul Grade School. He graduated from Naperville High School and returned to the family farm. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country during the Korean War. After his military service he attended the University of Illinois before answering the call to the priesthood. He completed his formal studies at Conception Abbey Seminary in Conception, Missouri. He was ordained on May 25, 1963 and was first assigned to Visitation Parish, Elmhurst. He then served at St. Petronelle, Glen Ellyn (1966-1970), Immaculate Conception, Morris (1970-1977), St. Matthew, Glendale Heights (1977-1981), St. Isaac Jogues (1981-1993), St. Pius X, Lombard (1993-1995), Good Shepherd Manor, Momence, (2000-2005) and St. Joan of Arc, Lisle (2005-2017). He retired to St. John Vianney Villa in Naperville. In 2019, Father Kocher made St. Patrick’s Residence his home, where he had celebrated Daily Mass for the residents and their families for many years prior.

Father Don is survived by his two sisters, Arlene (Ron) Brands, and Lucille Kocher; two brothers, Alvin (Joan) Kocher, and Charles (Nancy) Kocher; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cletus and Lucy Kocher; three brothers, Richard Kocher, Harold Kocher and Delmar Kocher (who was buried from our church last month); two sisters, Shirley Grant, and Diane Bohnstedt.

All of the funeral rites for Father Kocher will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Naperville. The body of Father Kocher will lie-in-state on Friday, February 16th in the Holy Family Chapel of the Parish Ministry Center from 3-7pm. A Vigil Service will be held at 6pm in the Chapel.

On Saturday, February 17th, the body of Father Kocher will lie-in-state in Saints Peter and Paul Church from 9-11am. Bishop Ronald Hicks will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Father will be buried next to his parents in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery. Please remember him in your prayers. All are welcome to attend the Rites of Christian Burial for Father Kocher being held at Saints Peter and Paul, Naperville.