John Albert Kocher

John Albert Kocher was born on June 17, 1942, in Newark, Ohio, to Mary (Strosnider) Kocher and Rollin Kocher. The family later moved to Shelby, Ohio, where John graduated from Shelby High School in 1960. A natural leader and accomplished athlete, he served as four-year Class President and received the Outstanding Athlete Award.

John married the love of his life, Cheryl Witker Kocher, on January 7, 1967, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marblehead, Ohio. Through determination and hard work, John put himself through Purdue University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. While at Purdue, he was a member of Chi Epsilon, the engineering honorary fraternity, and Acacia social fraternity. He also joined the ROTC program and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. John served his country in Vietnam, stationed in Phuoc Vinh, where he was honored with the Army Commendation Medal for his service.

Following his military service, John began his professional career as an engineer with Owens Corning Fiberglas at its headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. There, he played a key role in the development of underground storage tanks. The family later relocated to Valparaiso, Indiana, where John helped launch a new Owens Corning manufacturing plant.

After welcoming two children, and later a third, John made a bold career change, choosing to pursue law. He attended Valparaiso University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor degree. In the fall of 1974, John joined the Reinheimer & Reinheimer law firm in Port Clinton, Ohio. One year later, he joined the firm of True & Meyer, which later became Meyer & Kocher, now known as Kocher & Barney. Along with its predecessors, the firm is the oldest law practice in Ottawa County.

During the 1970s, John formed a lifelong friendship and professional partnership with Ed Hartung, together founding Hartung Title, with offices in both Port Clinton and Sandusky.

John served his community with distinction as City Solicitor for Put-in-Bay and Marblehead. He also served for ten years as Vice President of the Port Clinton School Board, where he was instrumental in the construction of the Performing Arts Center and major upgrades to the athletic stadium.

Highly respected in the legal community, John was one of only three attorneys in Ohio selected to serve on the Supreme Court of Ohio's Character and Fitness Board. He was a past President of the Ottawa County Bar Association, and was honored with inclusion in the Martindale-Hubbell Top Lawyer listings.

John was deeply involved in civic and social organizations throughout his life. He was Past Commodore of the Port Clinton Yacht Club, a member of the Catawba Island Club Blue Gavel, Crew's Nest, and Nor Easter Club and a past member of the Rattlesnake Island Club. He also served as Past President of the Kiwanis Club, Vice President of the Port Clinton School Board, board member of the Firelands Bowling Green State University Foundation, and Colonial Club member. One of his favorite things to do was his Thursday lunch group.

John's greatest pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Cheryl; children, Eric John Kocher (Jill),Gretchen Kocher Klotz (David), and Bradley Carlton Kocher (Amy).He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Julia, Audra, Rachel, Justin, Kylie, Thomas John, Lindsay, and Jack; brother-in-law, David Clingan; along with many nieces, nephews, loving family members, and friends. Preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sue Clingan.

The family will receive friends at Gerner Wolf Walker Funeral Home, 216 Washington Street, Port Clinton, Friday, February 20, 2026, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, where a scripture service will be held at 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 1:00 pm in St. Jospeh Catholic Church, 822 Barclay Street, Marblehead. Private interment: Catawba Island Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Joseph Catholic Church.