Mostly Cloudy, 70° F
(Jan. 17, 1920 – Jan. 30, 2011)
Henry Ammon Kocherhans, 91, died on Jan. 30, 2011 in the North Big Horn Hospital.
He was born Jan. 17, 1920 in Lovell, to John Hyrum and Eliza Eleanor Asay Kocherhans, joining a family of four brothers, Rupert, Joe, Jay and Gib and two sisters, Shirley and Leola. Later a brother, Leo, joined the family.
He lived all of his youth in Lovell, attending the Lovell schools. He joined the Navy when he was 21. While he was in the Navy, he met Norma Beckman, whom he married in 1942. A daughter, Jo Ann, was born to this union. After this marriage dissolved, he met Ella Irene Leavitt, whom he married on Aug. 21, 1948. This marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in 1956.
Ella had four children — Norma and Glen, who were married and out of the home, and Al and LaRay, whom he happily took and raised as his own.
After a very short time he brought the family to Lovell. When he retired, he and Ella moved to Arizona to be near their children. In 1996 they moved to Rose City West in Lovell. After almost 50 years of marriage, his beloved companion passed away.
After two lonely years, at the age of 80, he married Carma Asay Harper. They spent four beautiful and happy years together, until her death in 2004. He entered the Care Center in 1996. The workers there were so good to him and he lived life to the fullest until his death.
Hank served our country, in the Navy. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many different callings, enjoying so much being a stake missionary.
He loved fishing, gardening, his family, and just living in Lovell, where everyone was his friend. He was so optimistic about life and brought joy to many people.
Hank was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Glen and Al; two granddaughters, Terri Ann and Nanette, and nine brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his children, Norma, of Joseph City, Ariz.; daughter-in-law, Peggy Luthy (Al) of Cody; LaRay (Jim) of Springville, Utah; and JoAnn of Ocean City, Texas; 15 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, 35 great-great grandchildren, and one great-great-great grandchild.
Viewing and visitation was held Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at the Lovell LDS Church on Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. Burial will be in the Lovell Cemetery.
Haskell Funeral Home in Lovell is in charge of arrangements.
