Eleventh Generation

582. Gloria Joyce PURDY was born on 13 September 1925 in Greenfield Township, Monroe County, WI.^215,543 She appeared in the census in 1930 in Greenfield Township, Monroe County, WI.¹⁷¹ She died on 24 January 2024 at the age of 98 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.⁵⁵⁵ Obituary Notes: "Gloria J. Kochinski, 98, of Tomah, WI, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at the Serenity House in Tomah. Gloria was born September 13, 1925, to Nita (Dickinson) and Floyd Purdy on the family farm northwest of Tomah.

Gloria's life was not always easy. As a toddler, she nearly succumbed to rheumatic fever and remembers having to be in a crib constantly due to weakness and recuperation. Growing older her duties on the farm included being her mother's assistant in cooking, baking, and cleaning for the large family of eleven.

One evening, as a teenager, she accompanied her brothers Dale and Merle to the Grant Town Hall Dance on Saturday Night. This is where she met a handsome young Lithuanian man, from Millston named Julius. She smiled always, when re-telling the story, 'One kiss and there was never anyone else for either of them, and after one dance and they would spend the rest of their lives together until Julius' departure from this earth.'

After their marriage, they relocated to Chicago where Julius worked at McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft as a mechanic and Gloria worked hard in their home. Their son Owen was born and one year later Michael came along. With baby Sue on the way, Uncle Sam summoned Julius to the Army during WW II and deployed to Europe one month before Sue was born. Gloria and the boys returned to the Purdy family farm. She would often speak of her loneliness for Julius but took comfort in being on the farm again. The children loved being in the barn with their grandpa and uncles, only to come in for lunch or a diaper change.

When Julius returned home from the war, he was stricken with polio which left Gloria to take care of three children and her husband. When he was able he began work at the Tomah VA and they purchased their home in Wyeville. Then the births of Joyce, Dave, Dawn, and Shelley blessed their world.

Gloria was a full-time homemaker and loved it. She was an incredible baker and seamstress. Gloria was also a meticulous housekeeper and gardener. Her children were blessed to have homemade bread, Kringle's, doughnuts, cakes, and pies.
When Julius retired, they moved to Tomah and enjoyed playing pinochle with Merle and Avona, fishing, travelling, and going to casinos in Las Vegas and locally.

Julius passed away in 2001, and Gloria continued to live independently in her home until recently. Gloria will always be remembered for her quick wit, incredible strength, and deep love of her family.

Gloria is survived by her children, Michael (Rita Placeway) Kochinski of Plover, WI, Joyce (Jo) Murphy of DeForest, WI, David Kochinski of Wausau, Dawn (Dennis) Linder of Warrens, and Michelle (Marc) Nordstrom of Stoughton; son-in-law, Rodney Wagenson; daughter-in-law, Diane Nelson; grandchildren, Seth (Nikole) Kochinski, Sasha (Harley) Kochinski, Michael (Kathy) Kochinski, Jeffrey (Yvonne) Kochinski, Melissa (Brian) Chambers, Jon (Kelli) Wagenson, Paul (Lana) Wagenson, Todd (Marcella) Murphy, Megan (James) Slattery, Beth (Otto Rammer) Kochinski, Jason Winchel, Brett (Sarah) Winchel, Mackenzie (Ryan Aslett) Winchel, Kellen (Diane) Nordstrom, Kylie Nordstrom, and Haley Nordstrom; 20 great grandchildren; two sisters, Connie and Sharon; along with many other relatives and dear friends.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; husband Julius in 2001; children, Owen Kochinski and Sue Wagenson; and siblings, Leland, Leone, Marlene, Garnet, Gilbert, Merle, Craig, and Dale.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, February 2, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah, WI. Pastor Brad Lindberg will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation Friday from 9:00 until the time of service.

The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah, WI is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com."

Gloria Joyce PURDY and Julius KOCHINSKI were married on 3 October 1941 in Warrens, Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI.¹⁷⁴ Julius KOCHINSKI, son of Charles KOCHINSKI and Dora DAUKSAS, was born on 16 August 1919 in Spring Valley, Whiteside County, IL.¹⁷⁴ He died on 8 July 2001 at the age of 81 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.¹⁷⁴ He was buried in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.^470,543 in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

Gloria Joyce PURDY and Julius KOCHINSKI had the following children: