Dates
Genevieve Ramsey Koschak, 91, went peacefully to be with her Lord on December 23, 2013. Born April 1, 1922 in Eldorado, Texas to Seth and Beatrice Ramsey, Genevieve graduated from Eldorado High School as valedictorian of her class and from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in speech and education. She earned a master's degree from Hardin Simmons University.
Genevieve married the love of her life, Johnny Koschak, on September 25, 1943. After WWII, and moving to Austin, they moved to San Angelo in 1947, where she and Johnny opened a laundry business and quickly became involved in the community. She served as the first president of the newly established Junior League of San Angelo in 1957 and was involved with the creation of the handicapped children's treatment center which later evolved into the West Texas Rehabilitation Center.
In 1958, she began a rewarding teaching career at Crockett Elementary School, teaching sixth grade. She later accepted an administrative position with the San Angelo Independent School District, testing children with learning difficulties.
In 1980, Genevieve was named as administrator for a new program, Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS), one of the most gratifying endeavors of her life. The program touched the lives of thousands of children and received national recognition. In 1985 the school system established an annual award in her name to those performing outstanding service to the VIPS program.
Genevieve retired as an educator in 1987. Shortly after retiring, she began volunteering with the Shannon auxiliary, where she served as president and earned her 11,500 hour pin. She also volunteered with other organizations such as Meals for the Elderly.
In 1995, the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) named Genevieve as one of 100 "Volunteers of Distinction" from a membership of more than 200,000. The honor marked the centennial anniversary of the AJLI.
Genevieve was a member of the First United Methodist Church for more than 60 years. The spirit of her life was love of her family, gracious and compassionate giving to others, and volunteering to make life better in her community. She loved to dance, travel and spend time with friends and family. Her passion for dancing led her to help establish the Junior Cotillion Dance Club in San Angelo. She enjoyed taking her family on trips, providing a legacy of lasting memories for all. She and Johnny were blessed with years of fun and happiness with many close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, John Karl Koschak, Jr. She is survived by her three children Karl and his wife, Carol; Ramsey; and Sheryl and her husband Walter Pfluger. Also her grandchildren: Courtney and Shane Johnson, Ramsey and Shanan Koschak; Jordan and Brody Maedgen, and Seth Koschak; August and Camille Pfluger, Genevieve and Bryan Mejia, and Karl and Cecilie Pfluger; and 10 great grandchildren.
Pallbearers are Dr. Hunt Batjer, Dr. Steve Boster, Dr. Gus Eckhardt, Bill Graves, Ernie Mayer and Frank Pool. Honorary pallbearers are Phil George and Carl Rohlfs.
The family would like to express our deep gratitude for the dedicated, loving and compassionate care of Lori Geary, Elma Garcia and the loyal, caring staff at the Allison House at Sagecrest.
Memorials may be made to Meals for the Elderly, the First United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.
Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.
Visitation is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., December 26, 2013, at Johnson's Funeral Home.
A memorial service celebrating Genevieve's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church on December 27, 2013. A private graveside burial will be held preceding the service.