Obituary: John D. Ochs

John David Ochs age 68, passed away on August 6, 2019 at his home near Ann Arbor. He was born on December 27, 1950 in Olney, Illinois. John is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Susie Ochs, brother Sylvan, and sister Esther.  He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Susan Leben Ochs, brothers Kenneth and Samuel (Debbie) Ochs, daughter Katharine (Kyle) Bracken, granddaughter Ella, and another granddaughter on the way.

He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1973 and soon went to work for the Bloomington Daily Pantagraph as a News Reporter, worked as a Farm Editor for Illinois Farm Bureau, and then as Press Secretary for the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

In 1981 John and Susan moved to Washington D.C., where he worked for John Block, Secretary of Agriculture under President Ronald Reagan. He worked under the administration for 8 years. During his time with the federal government, he traveled all over the world with the Department of Agriculture. Stories he told of his experiences in various (and sometimes dangerous) areas of the world were fascinating. He was a gifted story teller and writer.

Following his time in Washington D.C. he joined Ford Motor Company, eventually becoming Director of Public Relations, moving to Lancaster County Pennsylvania, and finally to Ann Arbor, Michigan. He retired in 2003.

He was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police, NRA, and the Michigan Farm Bureau. In 1985 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, and in 1986 received the Distinguished Service Award from the United States Department of Agriculture for his years of excellent service to our nation’s agriculture industry. 

Of all his major accomplishments, he was most proud of his family. He loved spending time with his wife, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. He especially cherished Sunday dinner with his family, and thoroughly enjoyed cooking for others in his retirement. He had a personality that was larger than life, and may be best known for his quick wit and impeccable sense of humor.

His funeral will be held at St. Joseph’s Parish in Stringtown, IL on October 26, 2019 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.