CALEDONIA – Mr. Richard J. Koch, 88, passed away at his residence on Saturday, November 25, 2017.

A lifelong resident of Racine, he was born on March 30, 1929, the son of the late George and Eva (nee: Westenberg) Koch.  Mr. Koch graduated from Washington Park High School in 1947.  On September 22, 1950, he married Kathryn Ann Derber at Atonement Lutheran Church.  She preceded him in death on May 22, 2017.  He honorably served his nation with the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Mr. Koch worked as a cost accountant and buyer for Gorton Machine, Lars Manufacturing and Nelson Electric; retiring in 1994.  He was a longtime, very active member of Living Faith Lutheran Church (formerly Atonement Lutheran Church). Mr. Koch enjoyed gardening, woodworking, golfing and traveling; visiting all fifty states and 4 continents with Kathryn. However, his greatest joy came from being in the company of his family.

He is survived by his son, Jerome (Jean) Koch of Lubbock, TX; his daughter, Jill (George) Wanggaard of Caledonia; his grandchildren, Benjamin (Lynnay) Wanggaard of Maple Grove, MN, Laura (Dimitri) Shapovalov of Kenosha; his great grandchildren, Noah and Cassandra Wanggaard and Sophia and Gabriel Shapovalov; his sisters, Antoinette (Ron) Elder of Owosso, MI and Ruthann (Harold) Stephens of Apache Junction, AZ; as well as his brother-in-law, Bill Rashleger of Show Low, AZ.  He was "Grandpa Dick" to three-step grandchildren and seven step-great grandchildren, as well as "Uncle Richard" to many dear nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Koch was preceded in death by his brothers and sister, George Koch, Nathan Koch and Patricia Rashleger, and sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Edmund Putzer.

Family and friends are invited to meet at Living Faith Lutheran Church (2915 Wright Ave) on Thursday, November 30, 2017 for a visitation and time to meet with his family from 10-11 a.m.  A service celebrating Dick's life will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Warren D. Williams and Rev. Denise Mbise officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Living Faith Lutheran Church.

Service Details

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Visitation: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m.

EVERYTHING WILL TAKE PLACE AT LIVING FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH

(2915 WRIGHT AVE.  RACINE, WI)

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