Patte Stark

Patte Ruth “Kocher” Stark, age 86, of Alton, passed away Friday, January 13, 2017 at Alton Memorial Hospital.She was born June 20, 1930, in Alton, the daughter of Harry and Helen (Kauffold) Kocher. She married Walter H. Stark on January 3, 1953, in Alton, and he survives.Patte was a lifetime member of College Avenue Presbyterian Church, and most recently attended Evangelical United Church of Christ. Patte enjoyed her time volunteering with Caravan, playing cards and spending quality time with family and friends. Fishing in Bennett Springs, Missouri was something she and her husband enjoyed for many years after retirement. She was an avid animal and bird lover.In addition to her husband, Walter, she is survived by three children and their spouses, Christi and John Duggan of Godfrey, Jill and Bob Eschbach of Alton, and Robert and Katie Stark of Arkansas; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Brett and Raquel Eschbach, Kasey and Jason Reed, Kari Oglesby, Amanda and Rob Schweiker, Andrew Duggan, Savannah Stark, and Cheyenne Stark; two great-grandchildren, Regan Eschbach and Harper Eschbach; and many other relatives and friends.She is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Jean Richardson and Betty Christy; and a brother, Harry Kocher Jr., who passed in infancy.Patte will forever be remembered as a great mom, grandma, wife and friend.A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Saturday, January 21, 2017 beginning at 10:00am followed by a service at 11:30am and a luncheon promptly at noon. The services will be held at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Godfrey.Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements.Memorial donations may be made to the Treehouse Wildlife Center in Dow, Illinois or BJC Hospice in Alton, Illinois.Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.

Obit Provided By:
Cathy M Williams & Sons Funeral Home