Edward Thelsten Kocher

Edward Thelsten Kocher, 89, quietly passed away at the Good Samaritan, in Atwood, Kansas, on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
Ed grew up on his parents’ farm south of Concordia, Kansas. He attended Cottonwood Rural and in 1952, graduated from Concordia High School. Edward loved sports, he played both football and baseball throughout high school.
Ed then attended Kansas State University. He graduated with a dual major in agriculture and journalism. Edward was a lifelong fan of K-State and was very proud to be an alumni. While at school in Manhattan, Kansas, he met Donna Jane Brown, of Atwood, Kansas. They were married on June 15, 1957. Following college, Ed and Donna moved to North Carolina for two years, where Ed served in the 82nd Airborne stationed at Ft. Bragg, N.C. While in the Army he made dozens of jumps as a paratrooper!
Ed and Donna then moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he took a position at the Stockman Journal as their advertising manager. Ed and Donna had both of their children while living in Omaha.
From there, Ed moved the family to Leawood, Kansas. Ed spent his working hours as the sales manager at BSnB building corp, and ad manager at Big Farmer Magazine. He also formed his own steel building company, K-Steel.
Following the death of his father, Ed and his family relocated to Concordia, Kansas, where he took over the family farm, while marketing his K-Steel products.
In addition to farming, Ed operated a custom harvesting operation. He traveled extensively in business throughout his career and found common interest with almost everyone he met. In the early 1990’s Ed and Donna moved to Atwood, Kansas, to be nearer to family. While in Atwood, Ed enjoyed gardening, was committed to work, and loved to share his stories. (Whether it be his wife of 66 years, his children, or grandchildren, he was happy to show how proud he was of the people he cared for.)
Ed and Donna bought a little acreage west of Atwood at Blakeman, their “Hobby Farm.” Ed started “Blakeman Gardens.” He grew tomatoes, melons, and anything else that Donna liked. He worked full time until he suffered a fall in 2021 at The Atwood Corner filling station and enjoyed selling vegetables at the local Farmers Market.
Edward was never short of words and was a friend to nearly every person he met. His love for his family and friends was shown in countless ways, he was a steady, unwavering man, who was fiercely loyal and firm in his convictions. He loved spending time in his garden, talking to genuine people and loved his family with all his heart.
Edward is survived by his wife, Donna Kocher; his grandson, Cody Wayne Kaker, his wife, Emily and son, Colt James; and grandson, Damien Paul Kocher, his wife, Jade and son, Finn Edward.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Adeline Kocher, of Concordia, Kansas; his son, Kenneth (Russ) Kocher and his daughter, Kara Jane Coates.
A graveside service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 12, 2024, at Fairview Cemetery, Atwood, Kansas. Memorials may be made to the Atwood Good Samaritan and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visitbaalmannmortuary.com