Date of Birth:
Sunday, November 4, 1934
Date of Death:
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Age:
89 years old

Stanley L. Koch

Stanley Lowell Koch, age 89, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at home surrounded by his loved ones.

Stan was born November 4, 1934, in the Akron, Iowa, hospital to William (Bill) and Ida Koch. He graduated from Akron High School in 1952. After high school, Stan enlisted in the United States Navy. While in the navy, Stan traveled to the Philippines, Japan, and many other countries. Stan was very proud to serve our country. He was on active duty from 1953-1957, and was in the inactive reserves from 1957-1961. His rank was an ET2, he was an Electronics Technician, Petty Officer Second Class.

Stan met his future bride, Joan, at a New Year’s Eve party in Hudson, South Dakota in 1957. Stan and Joan married on October 25, 1959, in Hawarden, Iowa. Their daughter, Teresa (Teri) Lynn, was born in 1960, and their daughter, Lori Ann, was born in 1963. Stan and Joan lived in various locations, including  Sioux City, Iowa, Spearfish, South Dakota, and for the last 42 years in Rochester, Minnesota.

Stan had several jobs throughout his career, most involving electronics and electronics repair which he learned in the navy. Stan and Joan owned a motel in Spearfish, South Dakota, from 1972-1976. While living in Spearfish, Stan participated in the Black Hills Passion Play (a popular tourist attraction in Spearfish from 1939-2008). He played the disciple “James.”  Friends and family who visited Stan & Joan in Spearfish often also participated in the Passion Play as extras.

Stan was a private pilot and enjoyed taking friends and family up in a small Cessna. He was also an avid reader and history buff, especially World War II-era.

Stan is preceded in death by his infant brother, his parents, William (Bill) and Ida, and his daughter, Lori Ann. He is succeeded by his loving wife of nearly-65 years, Joan, his daughter Teresa (Teri) of Ankeny, IA, his grandson, Shane Falkenhagen (Kandi) of Rochester, his great-grandson, Jake Falkenhagen, of Rochester, his brother, Leonard (Karen) of South Sioux City, NE, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his honorary grandchildren, Nicole (Jake) Hanna of Stewartville, MN, and Nick (Brianna) Hanna, of Rochester, MN, and his honorary great-grandchildren, Hailey & Lilley Hanna of Stewartville, MN, and Jay Schulz (Alyssa) of Rochester.