Arthur L. Kochis
May 9, 1930 ~ March 10, 2015
Arthur L. Kochis, 84, of Willmar, died Tuesday, March 10th at Rice Care Center in Willmar, following a brief illness. His memorial service will be 11:00 am on Saturday, March 14th at Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church or Rice Care Center. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org
Arthur Louis Kochis was born to Andrew and Mary (Cipalo) Kochis on May 9, 1930 in Streator, IL. He grew up in Streator, where he was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended school. Arthur met Dorothy on a blind date in Streator, while she was in town visiting family. Seven months and many long car rides later, Arthur asked Dorothy to marry him and they wed on February 14, 1953. To this union two children were born: Warren and Jane. After leaving Streator, they lived in Waukesha, WI, Chillicothe, IL and Canton IL, before making Willmar their home. During this time, he worked his way from being a maintenance person, to store manager of JCPenney. His first store manager position came at Chillicothe before becoming the first store manager at JCPenney at the Kandi Mall, in Willmar.
While living in Willmar, they were members of Bethel Lutheran Church. He served as president of the church council and also was an usher. Arthur also served on various committees in the community. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family, which was evident by him visiting Dorothy every day in the nursing home, and going on "Let's Go Fishing" excursions.
Arthur is survived by his children: Warren (Laurie) Kochis of Burnsville, and Jane Kochis of Willmar; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Marian Carpenter of Ohio, John (Betty) Kochis of Illinois, Esther Kelley of Iowa; and friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, in 2005, parents, siblings: Elmer, Richard, Ann, and Norma.
