Billy Ochs

Forever in our Hearts…

Billy G. Ochs was born to Anton and Eleanor (Heier) Ochs on May 11, 1928 at the family farm, Park, KS. At birth, he was given the name Balthazar George but was later nicknamed, Billy. He passed away on January 5, 2021 at the Citizens Medical Center, Colby, KS at the age of 92.

At the age of 8, Billy contracted polio needing surgery; leaving one leg smaller and shorter. This caused him to walk with a limp the rest of his life, but it did not stop him from following his dreams. Billy loved playing baseball and often wondered how much better he could have been with two good legs. We know he will be playing again in heaven.

He attended schools in Park; graduating from Park High School in 1946. His desire to become a lawyer led him to enroll in Regis College, Denver, CO. The longing in his heart for country life brought him back to Park in 1948 to begin his lifelong career as a farmer. Billy loved harvesting and working the fields. He raised cattle, wheat, milo, feed and alfalfa. Billy retired in 2006 because of health issues, but continued his interest in farming and giving advice.

On May 4, 1949, Billy was united in marriage to his high school classmate, Sophie Depperschmidt, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Park, KS. Billy and Sophie were married 71 years and blessed with six daughters.

Billy was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Church serving on the parish council. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight.

He was a community-minded person serving on the USD 292 Board of Education and as a county democrat committeeman. Other jobs he held were substitute mail carrier, working at the grocery/ liquor store and grain elevator. He loved the community and enjoyed his trips into town to visit with the guys and play a hand or two of cards. He looked forward to visits with his daughters, in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was interested in what was happening in their lives.

Billy will be greatly missed by his family and many friends including his wife, Sophie, of the home; six daughters, Beverly (Darold) Zimmerman, Grainfield, Darlene (Melvern) Zimmerman, Grainfield, Kay Ann (Larry) Schmidt, Junction City, Jo Ann (Ronald) Zimmerman, Grainfield, Shirley Ochs, Park and Marilyn (Larry D.) Heier, Grinnell; 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Those preceding him in death were his parents, Anton & Eleanor; brothers, John, Pete, Steve and Leo and sisters, Susie, Anna Mary, Esther and Rosie.

There will be no visitation. A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 8th at Sacred Heart Church, Park. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested for Masses or the Sacred Heart Cemetery Fund and can be mailed to Baalmann Mortuary, P. O. Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com