Koch, LaVerna Mae 'Aunt Boonie' Bammert

LaVerna Mae “Aunt Boonie” Bammert Koch, 83, died at home Thursday, March 10, 2011, from a long battle with lung cancer, with her family by her side.  Funeral Mass: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 19, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Mechanicsville, by the Rev. Andrew Kelly. LaVerna will be buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Mechanicsville. LaVerna's viewing will be Friday from 4 until 7 p.m. at Morgan Funeral Choices, Mount Vernon, and after 10 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Surviving LaVerna are five children, Michael (Sheryl) Koch, Patrick Koch, Judy (Ron) Ferguson, Daniel (Lonni) Koch and Thomas (Shelly) Koch; 12 grandchildren, Anthony, Chris, Joshua, Bradley, Scott, Traci, Leslie, Jade, Jacob, Devin, Macy and Logan; eight great-grandchildren, Zach, Grayson, Lilly, Cade, Isabella, Ramsey, Rigley and McKane, and twins on the way; three sisters, Lois (Marvin) Colton, Bonnie Hughes and Myrna McKee; and brother-in-law, Dennis Kupps.

Preceding LaVerna in death were her parents, Fred and Elva Hopper Bammert; her husband, William, who died May 28, 2010; a brother, Melvin Bammert; a sister, Nancy Kupps; and a half sister, Juanita Goben.

LaVerna was born Dec. 21, 1927, and graduated from McKinley High School, Cedar Rapids. She married William “Bill” Koch on April 5, 1948, in Cedar Rapids. In 1948, LaVerna and Bill established Koch's Paint Co., and grew the business into Koch's Paint and Lumber.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. In support of her community, she served as a Camp Fire leader, city council member, was active in the Commercial Club, and was a Justice of the Peace.

She had a passion for people and people had a passion for her. She will be missed.

A memorial fund in LaVerna's name is established.

Online condolences:

LaVerna's battle was made easier by the awesome staff of Above and Beyond Hospice Care of Monticello.