Darlene Hoch

Darlene A. Hoch, age 92,passed away at her home in Alma on Friday, March 28, 2025.Hoch

She was born on November 26, 1932, in the township of Montana, Buffalo County WI. to Edward and Myrtle (Loretz) Gottschalk. She graduated from the Alma High class of 1950, and was married to Gale Hoch on July 29, 1953, at the Herold E.U.B. Church in rural Alma. To this marriage, three children were born and raised on her parent’s family farm in Herold. She devoted her time to her children while helping with the raising of their herd of Brown Swiss and later a variety of beef cattle for many years. Darlene enjoyed cooking, baking, and passing on her skills to her children and grandchildren. She was also an avid gardener and canner of all the produce she raised, along with maintaining a large, manicured lawn up until the age of 88 years old, when they sold the farm and moved to town.

Darlene is survived by her children, Debbie (Lonnie) Ruff of Belvidere, Jerrold (Susan) Hoch of River Falls, Bryan (Diane) Hoch of Alma, grandchildren Becky (Greg) Rademacher, Andy (Sandra) Hoch, Danielle (Kevin) Rotering, Katie (Jamie Hill) Hoch, Spencer (Kara) Hoch, and twelve great-grandchildren. Also, one brother Ronald (Nola) Gottschalk of Bettendorf Iowa, one sister-in-law Marlene Baecker of Winona MN. and many Nieces and Nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Gale, parents, brother Delmar Gottschalk, brothers and sisters-in-law Merlin (Darlene), Myron (Jean), Neil (Phyllis) Hoch, David (Jim) Baecker, and one daughter-in-law, Ann M. Hoch.

Per Darlene’s wishes, a prayer and graveside service will be held at 3pm, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Herold cemetery in rural Alma. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed in her memory to the Buffalo County ADRC Senior Nutrition Program.

Darlene's family would like to give a gracious thank you to the staff of St. Croix Hospice for the exceptional care provided to her during her end-of-life journey.

Talbot Family Funeral Home, Alma is serving the family.