Rock Koch
January 18, 1939 — May 26, 2011
Rock C. Koch, 72, of Seneca, Kansas died May 26, 2011 at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital.
He was born January 18, 1939 to Clem and Clementine Fangman Koch. He attended Baileyville High School, Baileyville, graduating with the class of 1957. In 1961 he enlisted in the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1967. Rock worked at Goodyear Tire Company, Topeka, for 4 years then began farming. He later started a dairy farm north of Axtell until retirement. He then started part-time driving for Koch & Company, Seneca, later for Koch Excavating until 2008 when he suffered a stroke.
Koch was a member of St. Michael’s Church and the Knights of Columbus Council No. 1163 all of Axtell also Earl W. Taylor Post #21 of the American Legion, Seneca.
April 24, 1962 he married Gladys Glynn at St. Bridget Church, Axtell. They lived north of Axtell until they moved to Seneca in 2002.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Regis, sisters Eileen Rusche, Theresa Spiker, Mary Olberding, and Angela Roeder.
Survivors besides his wife Gladys are 3 daughters, Jackie & her husband J.M. Swart, Seneca, Robin & her husband Dave Koch, Axtell, Vickie & her husband Aaron Welch, Manhattan; a son, Jerry & his wife Jean Koch, Seneca. He is also survived by two sisters Rita Haug, Seneca, and Evelyn Rothenberger, Overland Park; two brothers Mark Koch of Marysville, and Joseph Koch of Baileyville; and 12 grandchildren.
Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Monday, May 30, 2011, at 10:30 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Father Albert Hauser OSB celebrated the Mass. The burial was at the St. Bridget Cemetery, Axtell. Casket bearers were Jason Swart, Joel Kramer, Jared Kramer, Clem Koch, Marion Haug, and Jim Mathewson. Honorary casket bearers were Bridget Koch, Mary Schmitz, and Jane Roeder. The church choir will sing and Kathy Buessing will play the organ. Roger Buessing will sing The Old Rugged Cross. Burial will be at Saint Bridget Cemetery. Full Military honors were performed by the R.R. Hendrick American Legion Post #214.
Memorials may be left in Rock’s name for the Seneca EMTs or the Axtell EMTs and sent in care of the family or funeral home.