Ralph Koceja

Ralph H. Koceja, age 90, of 2916 3rd Avenue South, Escanaba (Formerly of Arlington Heights, IL) died Thursday morning October 13, 2005 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba following a lengthy illness.
Ralph was born June 15, 1915 in Chicago, IL the son of Michael and Frances (Puzik) Koceja. He was raised in Chicago and was a 1932 graduate of Lane Tech High School where he participated in the school band.

Ralph was united in marriage to the former Florence Macholz on October 23, 1937 at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church in Chicago. They made their residence in Arlington Heights where they raised their children and later moved to Escanaba in 2001. Ralph was employed as a carpenter for 30 years at the Cook County School of Nursing and he retired in 1980 from Ecko Corporation in Wheeling, IL.

Ralph was a member of the Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church in Arlington Heights and his hobbies included music and reading.

In addition to his wife Florence, survivors include:

2 Sons: David (Carol) Koceja of Sacramento, California; Michael Koceja of Kaluia, Hawaii

1 Daughter: Diane (Harvey) Hoyum of Escanaba

1 Daughter-in-law: Michelle Koceja of Kingston, IL

1 Sister: Maria Kaminski of Rockford, IL

6 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren

Numerous nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter: Catherine in 1954, son: Richard in 2004, 1 brother: Greg, 1 sister: Genevieve Koceja.

Ralph