Florence: Joseph Kocha, age 88, of Florence, Wisconsin, went home to celebrate the Lord's birthday on December 25, 2003, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain. Joseph was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January 14, 1915, the son of the late Louis Kocha and Lillian (Peschong) Kocha. He married Edna A. Soderberg on March 23, 1935, and she went home to her heavenly Father, March 14, 1968. He married Opal Soderberg on May 13, 1972. He was an avid sports fan and was on the all suburban football team in his high school, West Milwaukee. He served his Country in the US Army in the Occupied Forces in Japan. He also enjoyed fishing, playing cards and dancing. Joseph was a member of the Fence Union Church. He loved and enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Opal, one daughter, Janice (Hubert) Provost of Florence, WI; two sons, Russ (Jan) Kocha of Wausau, WI, Michael (Barbara) Kocha of Iron Mountain, MI; one step-daughter Donna (Kris) Riemenschneider of Rome, WI; two step-sons, Raymond (Diane) Soderberg of Niagara, WI, and Donald (Donna) Soderberg of Wauwatosa, WI, sixteen grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Delores Rupena of West Allis, WI, Dorothy (John) Botterud of Muskego, WI, and Elaine (John) Oravec of Florence, WI, and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his first wife Edna, a step-daughter Connie Capes, and one sister LaVerne Poredos. There will be a Memorial Service at the Fence Union Church on Friday, January 2, 2004, at 12 noon. Rev. Tim Smith will officiate. Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Joseph's family at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com The Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home of Florence, Wisconsin is serving the family.