Obituary of Donald Koch October 15, 1932 – December 2, 2018 Don Koch, 86, of Coeur d’ Alene, died Sunday evening, with his loving family at his side. Don was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to Karl Koch and Bertha Geissbuhler of Switzerland. Don spent his growing up years in New England, often living on sprawling estates where Karl and Bertha were employed.
At 18, Don moved west to attend the Music Department of La Sierra College in Riverside, California, where he met his future wife, Irma Proctor. Don then became an Army veteran, stationed in Germany. His then-fiancé, Irma, joined him and they were married in Berne, Switzerland.
Don became a violinist in the 7th Army Symphony Orchestra. He and Irma were able to tour Europe with this talented group for three years, these being some of their most cherished memories. After 3 years in the service, they moved to California where they spent the next 50 years.
Don spent some career time managing the radio station, KSDA, while also teaching communication classes at La Sierra College. Don then settled into a long career with the California Department of Corrections. He retired after 36 years as the longest standing Correctional Officer in the state of California.
Don was a voracious reader and collector of knowledge that he liked to share via his lengthy emails. If you were car or camera shopping, you could save time and just consult with Don. He was up on the latest models of everything and had it memorized.
He was a passionate appreciator of music, art, aviation, travel, gardening, eating out and books of many subjects. He was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and enjoyed helping out in both his church and his beloved neighborhood. Don had energy that defied his age and could never imagine getting bored in his retirement.
Don relished life in a way uniquely his, often humorously. Don and Irma moved to Couer d’ Alene in 2006 and relished in their years here, pinching themselves that they were able to live their later years surrounded by such beauty and exceptional people; their family, friends and neighbors. Don is survived by his wife, Irma Koch of Coeur d’ Alene, daughter Shena Koch of Maui, son Greg, daughter-in-law Sheri Koch and granddaughter Katelyn Koch of Coeur d’ Alene.
Don will leave never-to-be filled holes in many hearts. He was an amazingly thoughtful husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbor. A memorial service for Don will be held on Sunday, December 16, 2018, 2PM at the Coeur d’Alene Seventh Day Adventist Church, 111 E. Locust Avenue.
Bell Tower Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
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