She immigrated to the U.S. as a small child and soon became a lifelong resident of Lincoln. She later graduated from Lincoln High School. On October 29,1966, she married Jack Koch and together they had Lisa their only daughter.
Janine worked for the University of Nebraska most of her life but outside of work she was an avid animal lover who enjoyed meeting friends in the dog park whether they had paws or hands. She also enjoyed growing beautiful flowers for her yard in the neighborhood she loved. She walked her dog Gemini and visited with friends daily. Though her greatest joy was her granddaughter, Grace. She also enjoyed reading and watching true crime shows, but most of all she loved baking especially her famous sugar cookies.
Jay is preceded in death by her husband Jack Koch, parents Stanley and Stephanie Spicha, brother Bog, and sisters Lucy and Teresa.
She is survived by her daughter Lisa, granddaughter Grace, brothers George and Zig, sisters Barb and Susy, and nieces and nephews.
Memorials to the Capital Humane Society-Lincoln – www.capitalhumanesocity.org
or the Cat House – www.thecathouse.org
She was loved by many and will truly be missed.