Katherine Abigail "Gail" Young Koch

Gail was born in Boston, Massachusetts on March 31, 1931 and passed away on October 15, 2021.



She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Richard H. Young and Katherine Doorly Young Clark, her husband, Harry A. Koch, Jr, her eldest daughter, Katherine Koch Joyce and her husband Bob, her sisters, Diane Young Hamsa, Daphne Young Fletcher and Susan Young Charlton.



She is survived by her sons and spouses, Hal [Ashlee] of Santa Rosa CA, Dan [Lisa] of Omaha and ten grandchildren: Kasey Grelle [Dave], Brandon Koch, Richard (Skip) Joyce [Katy}, Alexander Koch [Amber], Andrew Joyce [Dr. Sidney], Dr. Alexa Koch Naynaber [Kevin], Jonathan Koch, Michael Koch [Allison}, Thomas Koch, Lilly Koch, seven great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.



Gail attended Brownell Talbot School, Westlake School in Los Angeles, and the University of Missouri. In 1952, she was crowned the 58th Queen of Ak-Sar-Ben. Over the years, she served on many committees and boards including being President of the Junior League of Omaha, Chairman of the Ak-Sar-Ben Women’s Ball Committee, long time member and Secretary of the Board and Executive Committee of the Omaha Zoological Society [Henry Doorly Zoo], as well as being a founder and past president of the Henry Doorly Zoo Women’s Board and Chairman of the first Zoofari.



She has served on the boards of Children’s Memorial Hospital, Lutheran General Hospital, and the Child Saving Institute. She was a past president of Children’s Hospital Foundation, and the Omaha Public Library Foundation.



She enjoyed tennis, golf, skiing, traveling, as well as wintering in Scottsdale, Arizona. Gail brought so much joy and happiness to everyone she met. Her world centered around her family; she delighted in planning elaborate holiday celebrations, special outings with her grandchildren, and trips with family and friends. Her love, smile, and laughter will be missed by all who knew her.



Services: Wednesday, Oct. 20th, 10am at St. Andrews Episcopal Church.



Visitation: Tuesday, Oct. 19th, 6pm - 8pm at the John A. Gentleman 72nd Street Chapel.



Memorials are suggested to Children's Hospital or the Henry Doorly Zoo.



























JOHN A. GENTLEMAN MORTUARIES AND CREMATORY

1010 North 72 Street 402-391-1664 www.johnagentleman.com