Loel John Koch

Loel John Koch, son of Carl and Annie (Nissen) Koch, was born October 21, 1923 at the family home in Boyer, Crawford County, Iowa. He was baptized in 1923 and confirmed in 1937 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kiron, Iowa, where he is currently a member. He completed the 8th grade at Stockholm Township Country School. In June 1946, Loel enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country honorably during WWII and served a tour of duty in Japan following the end of the war. He earned a World War II Victory Medal and an Army of Occupation Medal Japan. He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3930 in Schleswig, Iowa, as well as a member of Kiron American Legion Post No. 383. In 1949, Loel married Emy Lou Schneller. They were blessed with the gift of four children, Sandy, Roger, Rodney, and Cindy. Loel farmed north of Boyer and north of Vail. During his eight years of farming, he also worked for the railroad. He loved the land and was a meticulous farmer until 1969. He then went to assist with building and repair of the meat industry buildings with his bricklaying and construction skills. Upon retirement, he moved back to Boyer to lovingly care for his mother and father. He lived at the family home until failing health pressed him to move to the Reed House, then later in 2013 he made Eventide his home. Loel was a loving father, grandfather, son, and brother and he most enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling. He would spend winters during his retirement with his son, Roger in Florida. He loved fishing, playing pool and cards. He especially liked playing euchre with his family. He was always proud of catching the families first sail fish. Loel died surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, Iowa attaining the age of ninety-three years, seven months and eleven days. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son Rodney and sister Loretta Anderson. He has left to cherish his memory, his children Sandra and her husband Douglas of Manilla, Iowa; Roger Koch of North Miami, Florida; Cindy and her husband Bruce Wiener of Cave Creek, Arizona; 13 grandchildren; 6 step-grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 9 step-great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; special friend Lorene Theide; many other relatives and friends.