Gayle Yvonne Hoch, 85

Gayle Yvonne Hoch, nee, Burch, 85, successfully completed her journey and went on her way to rest with the Lord, passing unexpectedly at home on January 3, 2025.

Gayle was born on October 28, 1939 in Ashland Wisconsin to Arthur and Bertha Burch. She became the new younger sister to her brother, Robert (Bob) Burch. Gayle was a graduate of Woodstock High School, class of 1957. It was there that she met the love of her life, John O. Hoch. They were married at Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock in 1959. Together, they had two sons, John Bryan Hoch and Jeffery John Hoch during their marriage of 51 years.

Her first job after high school was an office assistant for a company in downtown Chicago. She then went on to be an Administrative Assistant at Northwood Elementary School in Woodstock for several years. She finished her career by enjoying a long tenure as the Office Manager at Gerald M. Smith ReMax Realty in Woodstock, IL.

A steadfast member, Gayle faithfully attended Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock, IL for over 65 years, where she selflessly volunteered in many different capacities and served on the Church Board. Additionally, Gayle was a proud member of the Friends of The Woodstock Public Library and served on the Library Board. She took great pride in taking the lead role in numerous fundraising activities for the Library.

Gayle absolutely loved antiquing and shopping with her girlfriends. Playing in the dirt while working in her gardens was her passion. She was an avid reader and fully embraced the beauty of the world and those around her. Her enjoyment of her automobiles was evident in the affectionate names each was given, Tilley, Eric, and Winston. Those who knew Gayle knew her special talent for nicknaming those that she cherished. It goes without saying that she loved her Church, her family, and her friends. She adored her neighbors and their tight knit community.

She is survived by her two sons, John “Jody” (Rita) Hoch, of Georgia and Jeffery Hoch of Carbondale, IL; two grandchildren, Dalton John Hoch, and Josie Nicole (Tyler) Lewey; four great grandchildren, Tessa, Cohen, Patrick, Jensen and also many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John O. Hoch; her parents; her-in-laws, John P and Helen Hoch; her brother, Robert (Bob) Burch and a sister-in-law, Marmae Burch.

A Visitation will be held at the Schneider Leucht Merwin Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The Visitation will continue Thursday, January 9, 2025 at the Grace Lutheran Church, 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am Funeral Service. Interment will follow in the McHenry County Memorial Park Cemetery in Woodstock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock, IL; or to the Woodstock Public Library.

For information contact the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock, at 815-338-1710 or visit www.slmcfh.com.