James Kocher 1931-2023

James Harlin Kocher, 92, Onaga, died Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, at the Community Hospital in Onaga.

He was born Oct. 5, 1931, south of Onaga, the son of Carl and Edna McCloughan Kocher. He graduated from Onaga High School in 1949 and from auctioneer school in 1950.

Mr. Kocher was a farmer, stockman and auctioneer. He also drove a school bus for the Onaga schools.

He married Leta Grace Holt on Dec. 24, 1952, at First Baptist Church in Onaga. She preceded him in death on Aug. 8, 2005. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a son, James Dale Kocher; a daughter, Janet George; a grandson, Joshua Kocher; and a sister, Zona Marcella Erass.

Survivors include a son, Bruce Kocher and wife Ann, Onaga; six grandchildren, J.C., Jena, Keyanna, Branson, Amy and Matthew; nine great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and one on the way.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 27 at New Hope Lutheran Church in Onaga. The service will be livestreamed online on Facebook at New Hope Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in Havensville Cemetery. Mr. Kocher will lie in state after 9 a.m. Thursday at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga, where a visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Onaga Weighlifting Club, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, P.O. Box 312, Onaga, KS 66521.