Josephine Kochmann, age 88, of Fargo, North Dakota, formerly of Mahnomen, Minnesota, died May 30, 2009 at Villa Maria Nursing Center in Fargo, North Dakota.

Josephine Theresa was born March 22, l921, to James and Mary (Stolka) Jirik in Pembina Township. She attended school there, and graduated 8th grade at St. Michael's School in Mahnomen. Josie spent the following year attending Mount Saint Benedict in Crookston, MN, and eventually moved to St. Paul, where she worked at the Ordinance Plant contributing to the WWII effort. She married Alphonse Kochmann on October 21, l943, in Beaulieu, MN. They made their home in rural Mahnomen. Josephine was a supportive farmwife and devoted mother, filling her days with the tasks of caring for a large family, assisting with farm work and providing a loving home.

Josephine was actively involved in St. Michael's Ladies Aid, Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Justin 2020, Homemaker's Club, Hobby Club, Rollag Steam Threshers, and the Mahnomen County Historical Society. Josie was a loving mother of deep faith, who opened her heart and home to all. She loved to work in her large gardens, canned her produce, and was also a talented baker known for her wonderful kolaches. She especially delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her later years, Jo enjoyed traveling, and visiting family and friends. Alphonse passed away in 2001 and later Jo entered the Villa Maria Nursing Center in Fargo. She struggled through the stages of Alzheimer's with grace, dignity, and a gentle spirit. Josephine and her entire family are grateful to the Villa Maria Nursing Center and to Hospice of the Red River Valley for the loving and dignified care that she was given.

Josephine is survived by four daughters: Judy (Paul) Teiken of Moorhead, MN, Mary Ann (Jim) Jasken of Big Sugarbush Lake, Ogema, MN, Rita Kochmann of Moorhead, and Donna (Butch) Benke of Grand Forks, ND; four sons: Bob (Cheryl) of Moorhead, Rich (Robin) of Prior Lake, MN, Paul (Nancy) of Oxbow, ND and Allan of Battle Lake, MN; three sisters: Julia (Omer) Krautkramer of New Prague, MN, Agnes (Del) Dobmeyer of Alexandria, MN and Vicki McGuire of Elburn, Il; three brothers: Albert Jirik of Mahnomen, Ben (Donna) Jirik of Harrisburg, PA and Frank (Marie) Jirik of Fisher, MN; sister-in-law, Luella Jirik of Mahnomen; 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alphonse; infant brother; two sisters; and two grandchildren, Jackie and Steven Teiken.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Visitation was held on Friday, June 5th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm followed by a Rosary all at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Visitation was held one hour prior to Mass on Saturday. Funeral Services were led by Father Rick Lambert. Dave Kochmann was the song leader and also played saxophone. Accompanist was Gina Worms. Serving as pallbearers were: Bob Kochmann, Rich Kochmann, Paul Kochmann, Robert Benke, Paul Teiken and Allan Kochmann. Interment will be at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Mahnomen, MN.