Ellen Irene Jochem

Ellen Irene (Rasche) Jochem, born September 28, 1942, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 29, 2026.

Ellen was the daughter of Paul and Freida (Schepers-Kiefer) Rasche. She married Ralph Jochem on April 29, 1961, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ireland, Indiana.

She is survived by her three sons, Mark (Yvonne) Jochem, Kevin (Geralyn) Jochem, and Robert (Gina) Jochem, all of Ferdinand; and two daughters, Janet (Brian) Vonderheide of Ferdinand and Lisa (Anthony) Striegel of Schnellville. She is also survived by fourteen grandchildren—Jessica Vaal, Nicholas Jochem, Kellie McManaway, Scott Jochem, Kenneth Jochem, Caroline Jochem, Jennifer Sanders, Jared Merter, Heather Souders, Elizabeth Jochem, Sarah Jochem, Travis Vonderheide, Anna Striegel, and Seth Striegel—and eighteen great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her brother, Arnold Rasche of Ireland.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph Jochem; her brother, Stephen Rasche; and her sister-in-law, Joan Rasche.

Ellen was a housewife who worked alongside her family on the farm. She enjoyed working outdoors, tending to her garden, landscaping, and caring for her flower beds. She also enjoyed weed eating, playing cards, and traveling. She was a member of the Dubois County Museum, the Dubois County Historical Society, Ferdinand Senior Citizens, and St. Henry Christian Mothers.

Ellen was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family and treasured the time she spent with them. She was known by many for hosting daily lunches on the farm, where family and friends gathered over the years. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be Monday, June 1st at 11:00 AM ET in St. Henry Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday, May 31st from 4-8:00 PM ET at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand and also on Monday at St. Henry Catholic Church from 9:00 AM until services at 11:00.