Deanne Koecher

Deanne Moana Koecher, lovingly known as "Oma," passed away on July 9, 2026 at the age of 73 after courageously battling cancer for two years. However, it never diminished her faith, her kindness, or the love she so freely gave to those around her.

Deanne was born on February 23, 1953, in Provo, Utah, to Thell and Donna Naegle. She grew up with a deep love for family, faith, music, and learning. She attended Brigham Young University, where she earned a degree in Public Relations and met her best friend and future husband, Rolf Koecher. Their marriage was filled with adventure as they built a loving home together in Florida, Kentucky, Texas, and eventually Utah, creating cherished memories wherever they lived.

Growing up in an Air Force family, she had the experience of living in many different places and getting to know different people and cultures, which helped her to be flexible and adaptable and love all of the places she lived. She spent time growing up in Germany, Okinawa, Hawaii, Missouri and Florida. Deanne was well travelled and loved exploring new places with her siblings, children and grandchildren, including places like Brazil, Samoa, Canada and China. Some of her favorites were trips to Germany with her kids, and Hawaii with her entire family after she beat the first round of cancer, and of course numerous trips to Louisiana and Arizona to visit her daughter.

Throughout her career, Deanne brought dedication and excellence to every role she held. While living in Texas, she worked at Amarillo College in both the bookstore and the journalism department. After moving to Utah, she worked as a proofreader for the Davis County Clipper before concluding her professional career as a paralegal in the Legal Department at Zions Bank.

More important to Deanne than any career achievement was her devotion to her family. She delighted in family adventures, wholeheartedly supported her children in every pursuit, and later found immense joy in her grandchildren. Some of her proudest moments were watching her children and grandchildren perform on the stage, on the field, and in life. She celebrated every accomplishment, encouraged every dream, and loved unconditionally.

Music was one of Deanne's joys. She found joy in singing and spent many years directing and participating in ward choirs. Her testimony of Jesus Christ shaped every aspect of her life. As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she quietly exemplified faith, service, compassion, and perseverance, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy for her children and grandchildren. She also served women of all ages across multiple presidencies of Young Women and Relief Society at the ward and stake level.

One of Deanne's greatest gifts was her ability to make everyone feel welcome. Her caring heart, lighthearted spirit, genuine kindness, and warm smile drew people to her wherever she went. She formed lifelong friendships with ease because she loved people sincerely and made them feel seen and valued.

Deanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rolf Koecher; her son, Steven Koecher; her father, Thell Naegle; and her mother, Donna Naegle.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Matthew and Aubrey Koecher and their children Rebecca, Peter, Elizabeth, and William; Lisa and Andrew Benson and their children Ava, Hailey, and Grant; Dallin and Amber Koecher and their children Jackson, Maylee, Lindsey, and Brek; and Michael Koecher. She is also survived by five siblings and numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 20, 2026 at the Grandview 9th Ward Chapel, 1555 North 1350 West, Provo, Utah. The family will receive friends from 9:30-11:00 a.m. prior to services. Interment will follow at the Bountiful City Cemetery at 2pm, where she will be laid to rest beside her loving husband.

Our beloved Mom and Oma leaves behind a legacy not measured by titles or accomplishments, but by the countless lives she touched with her love. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

If you are unable to attend, please join with us via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/97510163668