Robert John Koch

Salem, SD

1939, 792, Roubaix, F-6,

Robert John Koch, 80, of Sturgis, SD, died at the Northern Hills General Hospital on Sunday, June 1, 2003.

Robert was born at Salem, SD, on November 29, 1922, to John and Lena (Bartscher) Koch. He grew up in Salem and was married to Elna Magnuson at Howard, SD, on May 15, 1945. The couple farmed in the Salem area. When Robert was 17 years old he worked for the CCC camp in the construction of Roubaix Lake. In 1952 the family moved to Lead, SD, and he went to work for the Homestake Mine, where he worked until retiring in 1984. After his retirement he worked for the Corps of Engineers in campgrounds in the Yankton, SD, area.

He spent 36 years as a Scout leader, and was awarded the Silver Beaver Scouting Award in 1977. He also helped in the Special Olympics. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and his hobbies were hunting, horseback riding and the Colorado Rockies.

Survivors include Elna of Sturgis, and four sons, Tom Koch of Sturgis, Dick and his wife, Ann of Seattle, WA, John and his wife Diane of Lead, and Albert of Bismarck; one daughter and her husband, Theresa and Gary Finn of Sturgis; two brothers, Joe Koch of Salem and Lornie Koch of Colton, SD; and two sisters, Liz Kerkvliet and Virgene Herbst, both of Salem, SD. Eleven grandchildren, Mike, Jonathan, Peter, Jason, David, Stephanie, Sheri, Kristina, Bobbi, Andrew and Alex; and nine great-grandchildren, James, Kathleen, Amber, Sierra, Nicholas, Cameron, Felicity, Tallina and Tegun survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandchild, Michelle; one brother, Harry; and one sister, Jenny.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at the St. Francis of Assisi Church with Father Arnold Kari. Rosary and Christian Prayer services held at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. Visitation at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel on Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the time of the evening Rosary service. Burial at the Holy Cross Cemetery south of Lead, SD, at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

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