Jack W. Kochheiser, age 81, of Mansfield, passed away at his home on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from complications of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
He was born on May 16, 1945, in Mansfield, Ohio, one of four sons of the late Jack and Ruth (Strome) Kochheiser. Jack was as a semi-truck driver for 32 years and retired from Yellow Freight. He had an exemplary record of no accidents in the entire time he was a driver, quite an accomplishment considering the many miles he drove. He was a member of the Teamsters Union and St. Michael Lutheran Church.
Spending 19 years in retirement, Jack enjoyed playing with his grandsons and great-grandson. Being with family, especially after so many days on the road for all those years, was his favorite way to pass the time. He also enjoyed fishing and a round of golf, always hoping to catch the “big one” or get a “hole-in-one”. Spoiler alert…he didn’t get either but it was fun trying.
Jack is survived by his wife, Penny McKenna Kochheiser; sons, Kris (Anita) Kochheiser and Jackson (Stephanie) Kochheiser; stepson, Kevin (Martha) Hooks; stepdaughter, Heather (Dean) Evans; two grandsons, Kolton and Kade; several step grandchildren; and a great-grandson, Lucas.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Larry, Don and Jim Kochheiser.
In lieu of flowers please donate to S.T.O.P. or the Humane Society of Richland County. Jack loved his kitties-all 6 of them-and this is a great way to honor his memory.
A memorial service will be held at St. Michael Lutheran Church at a future date.
Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario is honored to serve the family.
Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com
Funeral Home: Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario
Website: www.wappner-ontario.com