Josephine "Jody" Hoch

Josephine “Jody” Hoch passed away on January 30, 2024, at MercyOne Rehabilitation Hospital in Clive of cardiac arrest due to complications from a fall. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Melcher-Dallas. Interment will follow at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the church on Sunday, February 4, 2024, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 3:30. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jody's name to the Friends of the Melcher-Dallas Public Library (111 S. Main St., Melcher-Dallas, Iowa 50163) or to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church (P.O. Box 277, Melcher-Dallas, Iowa 50163).

Josephine Oleda (White) Hoch was born on August 2, 1930, in Melcher, Iowa to John and Alma (Benson) White. She grew up in Melcher where she met Flavian “Slim” Hoch. The couple married in 1947 and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Lynn and Cheryl.

Jody was a homemaker while her daughters were young. After they were grown, she worked for the VA Hospital in Knoxville.

Jody was a very classy woman, aging gracefully through the years. She was so kind, with a quick wit and a great sense of humor.

Jody enjoyed traveling. She and Slim went to Branson twice a year for a number of years. After retirement, her daughters planned many small trips to celebrate her birthdays. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she sang in the choir for many years. She volunteered often at the church, helping with luncheons, dinners and other activities. She was an avid reader, utilizing the local library often. As a lifelong member of the community, her presence and caring nature will be missed by many. 

Jody’s family was extremely important to her. She will be dearly missed by her daughters, Lynn (Ron) Jensen and Cheryl (Eric Evans) Hoch; grandsons, Jason (Jessica) Obirek and Nick (Shelli) Obirek; 3 great grandchildren: Aldyn, Sheridyn, and Nolan Obirek; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Slim Hoch; grandson, Johnny Obirek; her sister, Irene Nichols.