Freeport: Fern M. Koch, 95 of Freeport died Tuesday April 22, 2008 at Manor Court in Liberty Village, Freeport. Born April 14, 1913 in Stephenson County she was the daughter of August and Mamie (Gehring) Meier. She married Emmerson Koch November 11, 1938 at St. John Lutheran Church in Pearl City and he preceded her in death in 1995. Fern was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Pearl City, the Ladies Aid Society at the church and also a member of the Stephenson County Home Extension. Her hobbies included gardening, playing cards and reading and she loved spending time with her family. Surviving are two daughters, Judi (Dennis) Thorn of Rockford and Jean (Harlan) Koberstein of Freeport; Two grandchildren, Daniel (Jill) Thorn and Dale (Kim) Thorn both of Rockford; Six great grandchildren, Jordan, Nathan, Jacob, Brienne, Nicholas and Nolan Thorn. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers, Alfred and Chester Meier. Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Walker Mortuary with the Reverend Pat Esker of St. John Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Garden, Freeport. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at Walker Mortuary. A memorial has been established in her name for St. John Lutheran Church in Pearl City. Fern's family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, light a candle, or share a caring heart in his/her honor at www.walkermortuary.com.