Margaret C.  Koch, nee Kruse  (Katy)  obit

Margaret Catherine. Koch, (nee Kruse) known as Katy, passed away at the Milwaukee Lutheran Home on Friday, August 15, 2025.  She was 94 years old.

Katy was born on January 12, 1931, the adopted daughter of Godfrey and Catherine Kruse from Antigo, WI.  She was an only child with a beloved pet dog named Snoopie.

Katy attended Holy Cross High School in Merrill, WI for three years, returning to Antigo for her senior year, and graduating from Antigo High School in 1949.

Next stop was Milwaukee in 1953 where a job as assistant bookkeeper at Marquette University awaited her.

While in Milwaukee, she met and married the love of her life,  Korean War veteran Vernon Koch, at age 26.  Their 31 year marriage  ended when Vern died suddenly of a heart attack at age 57.

Throughout her life, Katy faced the world with a "can do" attitude. For 33 years, she

was receptionist and office assistant at Barkin Herman public relations firm, retiring in 1998.   Their clients included Schlitz Brewery with sponsorships in Jazz Festivals, Summerfest,  Lakefront Festival of the Arts, and the Great Circus parade.

She was the smiling face that made you feel welcomed when you walked through the door. Behind the scenes she was very organized and a problem-solver.  A highlight of that position was when Ben Barkin invited her to ride in the Great American Circus Parade down Wisconsin Avenue In Milwaukee.

Katy also held interesting positions in the theater world.  She joined the Florentine Opera Company. in 1961, under the direction of its founder, John David Anello.   She sang in the chorus as one of the "Mighty Mezzos" until 1975 when she was named Production Coordinator until 1993.  She sang with such opera luminaries as Placido Domingo, Beverly Sills, Sherrill Milnes, Samuel Ramey, Richard Tucker, Raquel Montalvo, William Lewis and Jan Peerce.

Between 1964 and 1970 Katy also worked for Bob Simpson Productions. He put together a group called the Brothers and Sisters who performed hits from Broadway.

They were featured in Clubs such as Fazio's on Fifth, and national conventions, including the Democratic Convention in Washington DC where Ted Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey greeted them warmly.

In her retirement years, she was a caregiver for Rent-A-Daughter Agency, and often would lend a hand to many neighbors in need. She also worked part time at a travel agency that specialized in tours for seniors, and got to visit her favorite country - Ireland - twice.

Many thanks to the nurses and  staff at the Milwaukee Lutheran Home for their loving care.

Private burial will take place at Wisconsin Memorial Park. At her request, there will be no services.  Memorial donations may be sent to the Florentine Opera Company, 205 W. Highland Ave. Suite # 201, Milwaukee ,WI 53203  and the Milwaukee Lutheran Home Foundation, 7500 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213