Wilbur Albert Kocher, 103, of Sycamore died on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Wilbur was born on November 29, 1919 in Sycamore Illinois. He was the son of Sam and Rose (McCarville) Kocher. He married Mary Bross on April 16, 1955.  They had 63 years of a happy marriage before she died on 7/27/2018.

Wilbur served in the US Marine Corps from 1941-1945 and was stationed at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked on December 7, 1941.  Wilbur worked at Anaconda Wire and Cable Company for 30 years.  He was a lifelong member of the Church of St. Mary in Sycamore, active in the Dekalb County Farm Bureau, and a member of the American Legion for 70 years.  In his high school years, he played basketball for Sycamore High School and later coached several Little League teams.

Wilbur enjoyed farming, gardening, nature, and watching all the wildlife that meandered through his yard. He was a tireless worker, a devoted husband and a wonderful Dad to his four daughters.

Survivors include his four daughters, Claudia Kocher (Shawn Rooney), Brenda Hobbs (Eric), Diane Donnelly (Patrick), Pat Kocher-Cowan (Doug); 8  grandchildren, Mae Rooney, Min Rooney, Jared Hobbs, Michelle Donnelly DeReus, Brittany Druffel, Ryan Donnelly, Miles Kocher-Cowan, Edie Kocher-Cowan; 7 great grandchildren, Collin DeReus, Parker DeReus, Everett DeReus, Claire Donnelly, Darwin Rooney, and twins Wilbur and Rose Druffel.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, sisters Helen, Mary and Nellie and brothers Bernard, Floyd and Sam.

Funeral services will be held at the Church of St. Mary in Sycamore, 244 Waterman St., on Wednesday June 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Fr. William Etheredge officiating.

Visitation will be at 10:00 AM at the church before the funeral mass. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery and then a luncheon at the parish activity center at the church.  Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Church.

Arrangements completed by Butala Funeral Homes and Crematory, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178.

To share a memory or sign the online guest book, please visit www.butalafuneralhomes.com