Norma Jean Koch, 95, of rural Columbus, Nebraska, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on August 20, 2025.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, August 25, at 10:30 AM, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Shell Creek, rural Columbus with Rev. Dr. Chris Alexander officiating.  Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery following the service.  Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and on Monday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church.  There will be a family prayer service on Monday at 10:15 AM at the church.  In lieu of flowers, stones, etc., memorials are suggested to Columbus Community Hospital Hospice Program, donor's or family choice.  The service will be broad cast live on Monday on Gass Haney Funeral Home's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057043736890

Norma was born March 20, 1930, in Enola, Nebraska to Earl and Dora (Smith) Miller.  She attended Madison Public Schools. In high school she was active in Girl Reserves, Pep Club and band.  Norma went to Commercial Extension School of Commerce in Omaha and then worked in the ASCS office in Columbus. Norma married Walter John Koch at St. John's Lutheran Church, Shell Creek, in rural Columbus on March 26, 1950.  They lived on a farm northeast of Columbus where they raised 6 children.

Norma was active in the church and enjoyed working with children.  She belonged to the Golden Keys Extension Club and was a 4-H leader for many years.  Norma enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, playing cards, gardening, canning, and sewing clothes. A favorite hobby was making counted cross stitch pictures for her children and grandchildren.

Norma is survived by daughters - Marilynn Coates of Edmond, OK; Susan Arcese of Broomfield, CO; Barbara Koch of Columbus, NE; Linda Koch of Lincoln, NE; son Timothy (Nancy) Koch of Columbus, NE; and daughter-in-law Dianne (Lyle) Fittje of Columbus, NE. Grandchildren include Michael (Kristen) Koch Jr., Joel (Merin) Koch, Kristine Coates, Shaun (Veronica) Coates, Jason (Heather) Johnson, Andrew (Shannon) Johnson, Kati (Dustin) Donahoo, Daniel (Chrisi) Koch, Lindsay (Nathan) Wolfgang, Lauren (Nate) Christensen, step grandsons Nathan (Kristen) Fittje, and Kyle (Kristen) Fittje, 24 great grandchildren and 8 great step grandchildren, sister-in-law Phyllis Kasal of Omaha, NE; along with many nieces and nephews.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband Walter, son Michael Koch Sr., grandson Brad Koch, her parents Earl and Dora Miller, brother Jack Miller, sister-in-law Shirley Miller, sister Ruth Miller (who died in infancy), sister Betty Miles, and son-in-law Joseph Arcese.