DEsther L. Koochel, 100, died Oct. 12 at Sterling House of Great Bend.  Born Sept. 19, 1914 at Timken, she was the daughter of John and Mollie (Erdman) Lorenz.
She married Lester Koochel Sept. 22, 1938 at Timken.  He died Oct. 11, 1990. She was a bus driver for Otis-Bison School District and managed K’s Café until her retirement.
Mrs. Koochel was a Great Bend resident since 1997 coming from Albert. She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Altar Society, and church choir, all of Timken. She was a wonderful cook, homemaker, and seamstress.
Survivors include two daughters: Nancy Leimer and her husband Delvan of Perryton, Texas, and Janice Castle and her husband Mark of Great Bend; five grandchildren: Van Leimer, Cristin Leimer, Joel Leimer and his wife April, Diane Castle, and Dedra Castle; and two great-grandchildren: Matthew Castle and Nathan Roraback
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Harry Lorenz and Daniel Lorenz, and one sister, Mildred Rodie.
Altar Society Rosary will be at 4 p.m. and Vigil Service will be at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 16 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Timken. Father Charles Mazouch and Father Ultan Murphy will concelebrate. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Timken.  Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by    
Bryant Funeral Home    
1425 Patton Road    
Great Bend, Kansas    67530
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Oct. 14, 2014