Charlotte Cummings Koch

CHARLOTTE CUMMINGS KOCH

Cedar Rapids

Charlotte Cummings Koch, of Boise, Idaho, and formerly of Cedar Rapids, passed away on May 24, 2017, in the company of her family. She was living at The Terraces, near her daughter, Kathryn Koch Bailey, of Boise, Idaho. She recently celebrated her 89th birthday, but had battled illnesses for the past several years.

Charlotte was born in 1928 in Geneva, Ill., to W. Gordon and Helen Fehr Cummings. She graduated from high school and volunteered for public works service during World War II. Charlotte valued education and achieved much success as a student. In 1950, Charlotte received a B.A. in biology from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Following graduation she trained at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, and then worked as a laboratory technologist at the Veterans Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. In 1952, she married the late John "Jack" Stuart Koch, a Cornell classmate, who was then attending the University of Iowa School of Medicine. Following Jack's residency and specialized training in Fresno, Calif., Mason City, Iowa, and Madison, Wis., the Koch couple settled in Cedar Rapids in 1959, where Jack practiced orthopedic surgery until his retirement.

Charlotte and Jack's marriage thrived for 61 years until his decease in 2013. She will be remembered for her intellect, wit, sense of humor, and for her ease at making and maintaining so many close friendships throughout her life. As a dedicated wife and mother of four, she excelled in her homemaking skills, devoting much of her life to providing a lovely home, healthy meals, and support to her family in all their activities and endeavors. Her family will miss the wisdom and guidance she provided over the years.

Charlotte was a past member of PEO, St. Paul's UMC, and the League of Women Voters. She volunteered as a Sunday school teacher, Cub Scout den mother and school fund raiser. She actively participated in the Cedar Rapids Foundation, Meth-Wick Foundation, served as a board member of the Hillcrest Foundation, was a member of Cornell College's President's Club for over 20 years, and served on Cornell's National Council of Advisors and the Hilltop Committee.

Charlotte enjoyed bridge, travel, gatherings with friends, tennis, bike riding, golf, reading, dancing, and appreciated theater, music and literature.

Charlotte is survived by her children, John, Cynthia, Katie and Gretchen; her grandchildren; and her brother, Gordon Cummings of Geneva, Ill. She will be missed, but family and friends can be consoled by memories of the many happy years they all enjoyed.

Memorial arrangements will be private. Charlotte's ashes will be placed beside those of her dear Jack at Cedar Memorial. In lieu of floral or funerary gifts and condolences, friends and mourners are encouraged to contribute to a charity of their choice.