Virginia Mae Kochar

Virginia Mae Kochar

November 12, 1939        March 26, 2024

            Virginia M. Kochar, 84, lifelong resident of Nashwauk died Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Essentia St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN.  She was born November 12, 1939 to Clark and Bridget (O’Day) Smith in Grand Rapids, MN.  She graduated from Greenway High School in Coleraine, MN.  She married Robert “Koot” Kochar on June 22, 1957.  A homemaker by trade, Virginia was a family orientated woman, whether it was her family or her church family she loved being a part of it all. She was a very active member of Abundant Life Church in Hibbing.  Virginia’s faith and church were more important to her than life itself. It was her life. Her passion was the kitchen downstairs of Abundant Life.  Virginia was a staple for every event whether it was during a Sunday service, a wedding, or funeral, you would find her in that kitchen, which was spotless of course!  She had a knack for cleanliness and organization. Virginia also loved to volunteer throughout her life at various places.  

            She is survived by her children, Vicki Hanson, Duluth, MN, Debbie Huotari, St. Paul, MN, Joni (Chris) Lysaker, Keewatin, MN, Kathy Lorenz, Nashwauk, MN, and Patricia (Warren) Jewett, Grand Rapids, MN, two siblings, Kathy (Ernie) Burns, Keewatin, MN, and Debby Block, Virginia, MN, six grandchildren, Jacob (Elizabeth) Huotari, Angel Nelson, Aaron (Angie) Huotari, David Kochar, Nora Lorenz, and Nick Lorenz, eight great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Pearl Smith, and her brother-in-law, Joe Krznarich, along with many nieces and nephews.

            She was preceded in death by her parents, Clark and Bridget, husband, Robert “Koot” Kochar, two brothers, Larry and Robert Smith, her sister, Sue Krznarich, and grandson, David Huotari.

            Funeral services for Virginia will be 12:00 pm, Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Abundant Life Church in Hibbing.  The Rev. Dan Scally will officiate.  Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the noon service at the church on Saturday.   Interment will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery at a later date.  Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.