Obituary of Donald G. Koch

Donald G. Koch, 83, passed away Sunday, December 16, following an extended battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by his loving wife, Darleen F. Koch and his children.Donald George Koch was born in Detroit, Michigan, December 23, 1923, to Martin and Phoebe Koch. He was one of four boys and seven girls in the Koch family. He served in the United States Air Force, serving in World War II, as a tail gunner. On a mission during the war, the B-24 was shot down over France. They were rescued and hidden from the Germans by the French civilians, for several months. He was honored and presented with the Purple Heart medal, of which he cherished. After the war he assumed his fathers successful printing business in Detroit. He married Harriett when he came back to the homeland and over time, they became the proud parents of seven children, Janet, Martin, Kathy, Timothy, Julie, Billy, and Lori. Of these children, they were blessed with 12 grandchildren and 3 great grand children. He owned and managed the printing company in Detroit. Once retired, he and Harriett moved to Bradenton, Florida to live. Harriett suffered for years with multiple sclerosis and passed away in 1988. Donald’s passion was golf. When he was healthy, he played six days a week. During his retirement he proudly executed four ‘Hole in Ones’. On Sunday’s, he attended church. Don was a devout Catholic. In time, he married, Darleen Koch. Don and Darleen enjoyed a very happy retirement together. They both embraced their family and friends. Their home was always a welcome place to visit, full of fun and laughter. In this marriage, Donald became a wonderful step-father to Darleen’s children, Gloria, Lee and Wayne Koch. Don was a very savvy business man, who even as the Alzheimer’s progressed, continued to ‘work’. He was fondly known for his quick wit and comedic gruffness, which only Don could get away with, but he always had a twinkle in his eye. You might say he was a ‘character’. He had many friends and was loved by many. They lived in Bradenton, Florida until April 2004. Donald was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and as the disease progressed, they eventually moved to Olympia. In June of 2005, Donald became a resident of Garden Courte Memory Care. The caretakers of this facility accepted Don like he was family. Don’s family is so very grateful for the loving care provided by the Garden Courte staff and the Providence Hospice Care team. Donations are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. To leave online memories and condolences click on the View Guestbook link below.