Denise Ann Jean

Denise Ann Jean (née Koch), 80, passed peacefully with her family by her side. She was the devoted wife of the late Virgil Jean and a loving daughter, sister, Godmother, aunt, great-aunt, and great-great aunt to many. Denise was known for her warmth, generosity, and many talents. An excellent baker, she won many county fair blue ribbons for homemade pies and pie crust. She was the family’s “go-to” babysitter, a beloved lake house breakfast chef, a savvy Shipshewana flea market shopper, a devoted Elvis fan, a proud patriot, a White Sox fan, and loyal Union supporter. She enjoyed a long career as a secretary, first with the IUOE Local 150 Apprenticeship Program, where she met her husband, and later with Amaizo Federal Credit Union, where she remained until her retirement. Denise is survived by six of her eight siblings: Marge (Jerry) Williams, Doc (Chris) Koch, Delia Vetter, Donald Koch, Debbie Michalski, and Doug Koch; sister-in-law, Joyce Koch, and many dear friends, including life-long friend, JoAnn (Koch) Dunn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Jean; mother, Anna June Koch; father, Raymond G. Koch; two brothers, Raymond and Dean Koch; brothers-in-law, Rick Vetter and Mike Michalski; sisters-in-law, Dian Koch and Bonnie Gould; nephews, Todd Vetter, Raymond “Bird” and Brian Koch; niece, Melanie (Koch) Stapleton-Zarobsky; great-nephew, Adam Koch. Family, friends, and her Godchildren meant the world to Denise. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Denise's visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., located at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 17248 S. Harlem Avenue, Tinley Park, Illinois 60477. A chapel service will proceed the visitation, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, Illinois 60421. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to Lightways Hospice & Serious Illness Care in Denise's memory. Please use the following link if interested in making an honorary donation: https://lightways.org/one-time-donation/ Funeral arrangements entrusted to Palacz Funeral Service, Ltd.

Denise Ann Jean

December 1, 1945 - March 25, 2026