Audrey Jochim, 86, died Thursday, June 21, 2007, at the Chester hospital.
Vigil prayers was at 7 p.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Inverness. Audrey’s funeral mass was celebrated by Father Joseph Diekhans at noon Tuesday at the church. Eucharistic ministers were Una and Bev Moog. A memorial luncheon followed at the church. Graveside services was 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Highland Cemetery in Havre. Audrey Marie (Hoffman) Jochim was born at Cogswell, N. D. , on March 19, 1921. She was the youngest of four children born to Horace and Antoinette (Theiss) Hoffman. Audrey received her formal education at Cogswell, graduating from high school there in 1939. During the next two years she attended the Whapeton State Science School, where she earned her associates degree in office and clerical studies. In the years that followed, Audrey worked for the Veterans Administration in New York City, N.Y., Washington, D.C. and Fargo, N.D. While living in Fargo, she met a Montana farmer, Anton M. Jochim, on a blind date. Audrey and Tony “fell in love” and were married in Fargo on Oct. 30, 1954. Soon after, they moved to the Jochim farm south of Inverness, where Audrey worked diligently as a homemaker and mother of two daughters. The Jochim’s retired in 1982, they leased out the farmland but continued to live in their farm home. In 1985 they purchased a cabin near the West Glacier Golf Course, where they enjoyed spending their summer months. They remained active in both communities, Inverness and West Glacier, throughout their retirement years. Audrey was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Inverness, where she served on the Altar Society and taught CCD for many years. She had also been a member of the Inverness P.T.A. Audrey was an astute businesswoman throughout her life. Her college education and employment at the V. A. afforded her the practical skills to complete the daily records and bookwork for their farming operations. Education was important to Audrey, so she was very proud that both of her daughters received college degrees. In addition Audrey had a pleasing and progressive personality, so it’s understandable that she developed a “lovely circle of true friends." She was known as a “second mom” to many of her daughters’ friends. She earned the admiration of her two sonsin- law, who affectionately called her “Aud the Bod!" The Jochim’s took many memorable trips together, namely to Hawaii, Switzerland and the Caribbean. In 2004 they went on an Alaskan cruise with their family to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. In addition, Audrey made a special “girls only trip” to Paris with her daughter and granddaughter. The traveling was exciting, but most of the best memories were made at the cabin in Glacier Park. Some of their favorite hiking areas were at Apgar, Logan Pass and the “Danny Ohn Trail.” Other activities like golfing, snowmobiling, fishing, birdwatching, and spending time with family and friends added excitement to their lives. Audrey enjoyed many hobbies. She was an avid reader of mysteries and daily newspapers. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing Bridge. She was an excellent cook; her homemade potato salads and pie crusts were second to none. She was a good bowler and golfer (and was fortunate to score a “hole-in-one” many years ago). She adored kittens (a couple of her favorite pet kitties were “Poo Poo” and “Speckles”). She loved holidays, especially Christmas, which meant spending time with family. She collected old family photos and enjoyed reminiscing about “old times.” She loved her two daughters and looked forward to their daily telephone visits. Happy with life, Audrey was very content during those 53 years of marriage to her best friend and faithful companion, Tony. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, John and Chuck Hoffman; and sister, Dorothy Kelly. Audrey is survived by her husband; her daughters, Jean (Doug) Edwards and Peggy (Keith) Currie, all of Spokane, Wash.; five grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial gifts can be given to the Hi-Line Health Foundation in Chester or to donor’s choice. Arrangements were by Rockman Funeral Chapel of Chester.
