John W. Koch

John W. Koch

John W. Koch, age 85, a resident of Colorado Springs since 1953, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. He had retired and had been self-employed since 1955 with Koch Plumbing and Heating. He was a loving husband, father, and one of the founding members of Woodmen Valley Chapel.

John William Koch was born on April 4, 1928 in Wichita, Kansas to the late John M. and Anna E. (Mellecker) Koch. He attended St. Mary’s High School in Wichita and the family then moved to Hutchinson, Kansas. At age 17, he left his home to join the U.S. Merchant Marine, which became the U.S. Coast Guard. He married Joan Betty Clark on June 25, 1948 in Hutchinson, Kansas. They moved to Colorado Springs to work on the United States Air Force Academy project in 1953 and began his own company in 1955.

John was a deacon at Woodmen Valley Chapel. He loved the mountains of Colorado and fishing. He was a former member of BPOE Elks Lodge 309.

He is survived by his son: Terry (Mary Ellen) Koch of Colorado Springs; and his daughter: Lindy Wiseman of Colorado Springs. He has six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers: Delmar Koch of Lawrence, Kansas; Jim (Betty) Koch of Tucson Arizona; and Tom (Linda LaRue) Koch of Yountville, California. John also has a sister: Mary (Kal) Kalevick of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Mr. Koch was preceded in death by his parents, his wife: Joan; and a daughter: Kathy Hogan; a brother: Bernie Koch; and a sister: Betty Shaull.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2013 at Woodmen Valley Chapel – Stone Chapel. A reception will follow services at the church. Private entombment will be at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Gate of Heaven.

Memorials in John’s name may be made to the Humane Society of Colorado Springs or to Compassion International. Mailing address: Compassion International, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80997.