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In memory of

Florence Kochersberger

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Monday, March 5, 2007 at her home in Philip at the age of 83

Florence Belle Heidler was born June 9, 1923, in Philip, South Dakota, the daughter of Joseph and Ethel (Wray) Heidler. She grew up and received her education in Philip. After her schooling, she moved to Olympia, Washington to stay with her brother John. While in Olympia, she met Albert Kochersberger, who was currently enlisted in the Army. They were united in marriage on January 28, 1943, at Aberdeen, Washington, and to this union were born two children, Alene and Larry. After Albert was honorably discharged in 1945, the family made their home in Babylon Long Island, New York. In 1947, the family moved to Philip. While in Philip, Florence cooked at the school and also owned and operated the Heidler Shoe Store. Later, she took care of various people in the area and assisted them with daily activities.

She enjoyed learning and telling about history, whether it's family history, South Dakota history, or Presidential history.

Florence was a member of the Evangelical Free Church, and the Federated Women’s Club, both of Philip.

Survivors include a son Larry Kochersberger and his wife Phyllis of Philip; five grandchildren Debra Alexander and her husband Paul of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Robert Nesheim and his wife Alissa of Rapid City, David Nesheim and his wife Kymm of Lincoln, Nebrasa, Alan Kochersberg and his wife Tina of Philip, and Amy Kittelson and her husband Scott of Murdo; eleven great-grandchildren; a son-in-law Father Donald O. Nesheim of Minneapolis; a brother Harold Heidler and his wife Verdis of Mesa, Arizona; a sister-in-law Dorothy Heidler of Faith; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband Albert Kochersberger on November 1, 1999; a daughter Alene Nesheim in March 1999; two brothers John and Merle Heidler; and a sister Marguerite.

Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 9, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Saturday.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at the Evangelical Free Church in Philip, with Pastor Gary Wahl officiating.

Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery.

A memorial is established to the Evangelical Free Church of Philip.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, March 10, 2007 10:00 a.m.
Evangelical Free Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Gary Wahl
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage – Pianist
Maureen Palecek – Vocalist
USHERS
John Heidler – Rocky Williams
PALLBEARERS
Alan Kochersberger – David Nesheim
Robert Nesheim – Scott Kittelson
Paul Alexander – Neil Heidler
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, March 10, 2007 10:00 a.m.
Evangelical Free Church
Philip, South Dakota

  • I've never met a more pleasant person. May she rest in peace ~ David Jacobs South Dakota (3/5/2007)
  • I have been away from Philip since 1948 but I do recall Florence. I am so sorry for your loss. Harold has keep me informed over the years. Sincerely, Jackie ~ Jacqueline Thorson Colorado Springs, CO 80911 (3/5/2007)
  • To the family of Florence Kochersberger - My sincere condolences. 5th & 6th grade student - Marylin Murphy ~ Marilyn Murphy 2365 Hillside Court (3/5/2007)
  • Florence was always a pleasant person to see and say hello to. Dan remembers when she was selling shoes in her father's store. Our prayers are with you in your time of loss. ~ Dan & Esther Oldenberg Philip, SD (3/5/2007)
  • I know Florence was a great person. When we went to her house she would always be so happy to see us! She loved to talk to us and was so sweet to everyone. Don't forget that wonderful woman. I know she is having a great time in heaven. I will be praying that all of you will feel better.
    Shelby Schofield
    ~ Shelby Schofield Philip, SD (3/5/2007)
  • Larry, Phyllis, So sorry to hear that Florence passes on. I know that Alene, her Momma and Daddy and brothers and sister were there to greet her. I'm sure they are having a good visit and probably talking about us and what we did or didn't do. She loved to visit. One thing I will always remember about Florence is so was so positive. She never said a negative thing about anyone. My dad told me his mom believed and taught them If you don't have something good to say, don't say anything. Florence learned her lessons better than Dad did. Course Dad wasn't too crazy about learning anything. Is there anything I can do or bring? Just email me and I'd be glad to do whatever I could. Love and Prayers, Jeanie and family. ~ Jeanie Lesmeister Faith, SD (3/5/2007)
  • We are so sorry to hear of your lose. Florence was a wonderful woman. She was so nice to my children and always wonted to know how we were doing. Hold onto your memories of Florence they well get you through this tuff. Our prayers are with all of you.
    Michelle and Travis Brenner, and Terri Craven
    ~ Michelle, Travis Brenner and Terri Craven 27 Madison St., Apt 1, Rapid City, SD 57701 (3/5/2007)
  • Florence will be greatly missed, she always had a smile and enjoyed the folks around Philip. My mother, Ruth Sherwood Fairchild told about spending much time with the Heidler family and she and Florence spent a lot of time together growing up. ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka, SD (3/5/2007)