David Edwin Koecher, 68, of Kerrick, passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2017 in Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake after a heroic battle with cancer of more than twelve years.  He was born July 1, 1948 in Moose Lake to Edwin and Bernice (Mathisen) Koecher.  David was united in marriage to his partner in life Sandra Spicer on October 28, 1967 at Oak Lake Lutheran Church, Kerrick.  An avid outdoorsman and skilled with heavy equipment, David worked for Kerrick Sod for 37 years, creating beautiful landscapes across the state for residential, commercial and just about any kind of terrain you can imagine.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, playing games, tinkering, and feeding critters (the rounder, the better).  His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. He was their biggest supporter and proud to cheer them on whether at a play, band concert, sports event, or simply playing a game or working on a puzzle together.  He was a master puzzle solver with a strategy all his own.  David had a bigger than life sense of humor, always quick with a joke and quicker with a practical joke.  He was a kid at heart all of his days with a laugh that warmed your heart and made you smile.  His home was yours and he was always up for a hug.  He'd be happy to sing you a karaoke tune or gladly have you sing to him.  You didn't even have to be that good, but you had to have a good time.  He was loved by all and a father figure to many.  His optimism, kindness, and genuine spirit will be dearly and deeply missed, though his joy will live on in the countless lives he's touched.

David is preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Ron Schelinder.

David is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Sandra Koecher of Kerrick; daughter, Karen (David) Lundstrom of North Branch; son, Matthew (Tina) Koecher of Kerrick; grandchildren, Kyle and Tyler Lundstrom, Lucas, Delaney, Madison and Arie Koecher; siblings, Arlene Schelinder of Kerrick, Richard (Sandy) Koecher of Merrifield, Janet (Gary) Sway of Kerrick, Linda (Greg) Kvasnicka of Bruno, James (Eleanor) Koecher of Kerrick and Laurie (Ron) Jorgensen of Askov; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 12, from 4-6 PM in Oak Lake Lutheran Church, Kerrick and will continue Monday, February 13, from 10 AM until the 11 AM Service at the church.  To sign the guestbook online, go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com .  Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.

The family would like to thank the care providers at Mercy Hospital for their compassion and support in these final days.