Albert passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at the Regina General Hospital in Regina, SK. He was 91 years of age. Albert was born on March 17, 1920 in Rhein, SK, the son of Jacob and Katherine (nee Schwartz) Koch. He was the second oldest in a family of 15 children. Albert went to school in Rhein and worked for various farmers in the area. Later he went to work in Yorkton at the airport to help build the No. 11 Saskatchewan Flight Training School and when the work on that project was completed he and his brother joined the Armed Forces. He enlisted in the Army on December 26, 1940 and took his basic training and gunnery training at Camp Shilo in Manitoba. While serving his country he earned his rank as a Sergeant and served overseas in England, France, Germany, Italy and Africa. Albert came home on April 15, 1946 and had his first date on May 24, 1946 with the woman who was to become the love of his life, Irene Boehm, who he married in December of that same year. On December 29, 2011 he and Irene were to celebrate their 65th Wedding Anniversary. Albert and Irene started their life together on the farm and later moved to the village of Rhein where they were blessed with eight children. While in Rhein, Albert was the Post Master and Irene also worked for the Post Office. The family moved to Esterhazy, where they were blessed with two more children and raised a granddaughter. Albert owned and operated Bomber Billiards in Esterhazy for 20 years and retired in 1985. He loved working in his garden and yard, collecting stamps, coins and playing cards with his children and grandchildren. Albert leaves to celebrate his life, his wife, Irene of Esterhazy, SK; his children, Leslie (Sylvia) of Esterhazy, SK, Eldene Looker of Regina, SK, Curtis (Brenda) of Toms River, New Jersey, USA, Pamela Heisler of Regina, SK, Robert (Wanda) of Winnipeg, MB, Jodean (Robert) Schentag of Calgary, AB, Denise (Arthur) Ransom of Regina, SK, Richard of Surrey, BC, Kerri-Laine of Yorkton, SK and Shelly Nelson (granddaugher) of Surrey, BC; his brothers and sisters, Jack of Rhein, SK, Keith of Gibsons, BC, Harvey (Dorothy) of Winnipeg, MB, Fred (Pat) of Surrey, BC, Garry of Kamloops, BC, Beverly (Art) of Missisauga, ON and Kathy (Ed) of Beausejour, MB as well as 22 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many good friends. Albert was predeceased by his son, Bradley in 1975; his parents, Jacob in 1976 and Katherine in 1984; his brothers, Leslie in 1938, Dave in 1986, Clarence in 2000, Samuel in 1992, Lawrence in 2003 and Arnold in 2004; his sister, Frieda in 2004; his grandson, Donald in 1989 and two great-grandchildren, Joel in 1992 and Samantha in 2007. Funeral Services were held at the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Faye Greer officiating. The organist, Carla Laycock led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Rock of Ages", "In the Garden" and "Amazing Grace." The Honourary Pallbearers were all those who shared in Albert's life and the urnbearer was Albert's wife, Irene. A private family cremation committal service will be held at a later date. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to Albert's family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral Services were entrusted
to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
