William F Ochs

Monson-William F. Ochs, 72, passed away Saturday October 31, 2020, surrounded by love of family. Bill was born in Boston, MA, to the late William A. and Irene E. (Barter) Ochs. He grew up in South Boston, Palmer and Wales, MA, before enlisting in the US Army. Bill honorably served during the Vietnam War where he received many medals of honor including the Silver Star for gallantry in action, Bronze Star for combat valor, Purple Heart with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, and Combat Infantry Badge. While in the Army he also earned the Marksmanship Badge – Pistol, Expert Badge – Rifle, Drill Sergeants Identification Badge, and Good Conduct Medal. Upon his discharge he returned to the Three Rivers section of Palmer and later moved to Monson where he raised his family. He coached Parks and Recreation baseball teams there while his children were young. For many years, he continued the long-established Monson tradition of honoring the death of any local veteran by lowering the flag at Memorial Hall. Bill was a lifelong Red Sox fan and lover of Rock & Roll. He enjoyed fishing at the Cape and anywhere he could cast a line. He received the greatest joy from giving gifts to family, friends and especially the grandchildren and any little ones. Bill was a lifetime member of the DAV and the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Bill leaves his loving wife, Gretchen E. Neggers; his children, Michele Strum of Hampden, Emily Ochs of Ludlow, and Daniel Ochs and his wife Chelsea of North Smithfield, RI; a brother, Lawrence Ochs and his wife Carol of Three Rivers; sisters, Virginia Maynard of Chicopee, Kathleen Pare and her husband Wayne of Three Rivers, Cynthia Johnson of Ware and Suzanne Plescia and her husband Tony of Monson; grandchildren Taylor and Owen Strum, Elowyn Ochs and a grandson due Veterans Day. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends. Bill was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Daniel Ochs and Stephen Ochs.

Visiting hours will be Friday, November 6, 2020, from 5-8 pm in Lombard Funeral Home, 3 Bridge St. Monson, MA. A funeral service will be held Saturday November 7 at 10 am in Lombard Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors will be held at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation in Bill’s name to Wales VFW PO Box 324 Wales, MA 01081. In the memo line please indicate, Town of Wales Veterans Memorial in Memory of William Ochs. For online condolences please visit www.lombardfuneralhome.com.