Donald L. “Don” Kochheiser
Donald L. “Don” Kochheiser, age 81, of Shelby, died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at OhioHealth Shelby Hospital.
Don was born March 15, 1942 in Bellville, Ohio to the late Jack and Ruth (Strome) Kochheiser and was a 1961 graduate of Union High School. A lifelong farmer, Don had a love for working the land- something that brought him true joy and happiness. In addition, Don had worked at Sears, Roebuck and Co prior to a 21-year career at G & L Supply in Mansfield from where he retired. Following retirement, he worked for 15 years at Pioneer Career and Technology Center in their Distribution Center and driving bus.
To coincide with his farming, Don loved outdoors and nature, especially hunting and fishing, and was a talented gardener having won numerous blue ribbons at the Richland County Fair. He enjoyed building bird houses as well and, at Christmastime, found joy in playing Santa. An active member of Richland Church of the Brethren, Don was always helpful with any task necessary.
Don was absolutely a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Surviving are his loving wife of 40 years, Terri (Hause) Kochheiser whom he wed on November 26, 1983; children: Michael A. (Cindy) Kochheiser of Bellville and Becky (Jeff) Harris of Ashland; 5 grandchildren: Jennifer Lackey, Ryan (Bethany) Steward, Katlyn (Levi) Motter, Michael (Taylor) Kochheiser, and Matthew Kochheiser; 2 step grandchildren: Michael (Jessica) Harris and Brandon (Alyssa) Harris; 8 great grandchildren; 7 step-great grandchildren; brothers: Larry (Susan) Kochheiser and Jack (Penny) Kochheiser; sister-in-law: Marla Kochheiser; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Kochheiser.
Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 11 am-1 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will immediately follow at 1 pm. Pastor Jim Frado, Don’s pastor, will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to Richland Church of the Brethren, 786 Linn Road, Mansfield, Ohio 44903.
For those unable to attend, condolences may be left on Don’s obituary on the funeral home’s website, www.PenwellTurner.com, or their Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
I am sad to hear this news. I always enjoyed talking to Don as he brought the mail to the office at Pioneer each morning. He was always so cheerful. He will certainly be missed by many. Cherish your fun times and good memories. I am sorry I wont be able to attend services.
Teri,Mike and Cindy, and family. So sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers. Mark and Valerie Wondrash
Terri, So sorry to hear of Don’s sudden passing away. He was a really nice guy and will be greatly missed.
Terri, my deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss. Don was a very nice man and I’m so happy that I knew him. Sending prayers.
Terri, I am so sorry for your loss.
Terri and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Don. He was such a great person and I will miss him deeply, especially his hugs❤️. I am sorry I can not attend due to being out of state
Love Kim
Terri,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. Big hugs.
Sincerely,
Brigette Harrison
Terri you have all my love and sympathy in your loss. We went to the Richland Church before we moved back to Indiana and remember those days and you and Don fondly. (Especially grape pie at the dinners!). Josh, Jenny, and I still talk about everyone there and loved you two. Prayers are with you❤️
We at Coloring Book Solutions employer of Becky send our deepest condolences and prayers to the family in your time of sorrow. May your many sweet memories of your loved one support you at this time.
To Don’s family, Don always had a smile on his face. At Pioneer he always went above and beyond
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Don always had a smile on his face. Worked with him at Pioneer. He always went above and beyond in his job. Please accept my sympathy and prayers
Dear Terry & Family!
Please know of my thoughts and Prayer’s
for you each and for the Repose of the Soul of this
Good and holy man Donald “Don” Kochheiser !
Don leaves this world a better place and you and countless
peoples lives more deeply inspired and enriched as a
deep and faithful Servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and His
Church…indeed!!
“Father Dave” Parochial Vicar Emeritus,Navy Chaplain,(ret).
Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church & Schools
Westerville, Ohio
Our deepest sympathy to all the families. We all graduated from Union High School, knew Larry the most. Married and baptised at The Richland Church of the Brethern. Gods blessings
I’m so saddened to hear this. Don was a real gentleman and will be missed. Condolences and prayers to his wife and family.
My Deepest Sympathy to My cousin Terry and to the whole Kochheiser Family,
Don was a such a wonderful man. I was so Blessed to have shared a lot of fun times with him. He use to love to make chocolate cake and brownies for me and Terry when I stayed with them. He loved life and his family and friends.
Will sure miss you!
So Sorry to hear of Dons Passing. I worked with him down at G&L and have lots of good memories.Sorry I will miss you in Upper For Supper my Friend.
Rest in Peace…
Terri, I’m absolutely heart broken to hear of Don’s passing. He was one of the kindest men I have ever met and I look forward to having a piece of pie with him in heaven. I love you both dearly.
Such a shock – we were first cousins and grew up living next door to each other! He was a gentle soul. My condolences to the family! Best wishes to Terri.
Terri, and all the family. So sorry to hear about Don. We had a lot of laughs and good times. Enjoyed being neighbors. I hope to see him again 1 day. Will be thinking of you all.
Dear Family I worked with Don at Pioneer and it was a pleasure to know him. He was so kind and always smiling. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and rely on the strength of the Lord to help you through this difficult time.
My deepest sympathies to Terri and the family on your loss. I was lucky enough to have known Don from working with him at G&L Supply. He was a super nice guy always willing to help. May your sweet memories give you gentle comfort at this difficult time.
Terri, You and your family are in my heart and
prayers in the recent unexpected passing of
Don. He was an easy going and polite man. Don will be missed by many friends.
Family of Don-Sorry I can’t make it to calling hours because of prior commitments. I will really miss taking to Don at breakfast.
We are so sorry that Don passed away. There are not enough kind words to describe him. What a wonderful and sweet man. We are so glad that he and Teri found their new home away from the farm where they did. It was just meant to have you both take over that home and enjoy the little house just on the edge of town. Don will be greatly missed.
Love and prayers
Lisa and Tim Whisler
Terri,
I am soo sorry for your loss. Don was such a sweet man. I still remember dancing with him at your wedding!! Hugs and prayers my friend!
Dottie (Dever) McHenry
Terri and family,
Don was the guy I would say, when Don was here, he could get done. Miss him. Don is with our savior in Jesus Christ name . Amen
Bryan Pfieffer
G&L Supply
Terri, I am so sorry to hear about Don. I was out of state and just heard about his passing. He was such a great guy and a great employee. My prayers are with you at this time. Time will heal your pain and the great memories will put a smile on your face.