Ralph R. Koch

Ralph R. Koch, 81, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away Thursday, April 25, 2013, at his home. Funeral Service for Ralph will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Ottawa Funeral Home with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 29, 2013, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park with Military Rites. Ralph was born November 5, 1931, in Compton, Illinois, to William and Clara (Schweiger) Koch. He married Irene Perenchio on February 26, 1955, in Geneva, Illinois. She passed away in June 18, 1988. He then married Mary Lou Maierhofer in 1992. She passed away on February 17, 2011. He served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. Ralph was co-owner and carpenter for Koch Brothers General Contractors from 1955 until his retirement in 1993. He was a member of St. Columba Church, Ottawa Lions, American Legion, Ottawa Moose, Knights of Columbus, Starved Rock Model A Club, Carpenters Union #195, and LaSalle County Cruisers. He is survived by three children, Richard (Joyce) Koch, Roger (Denise) Koch, and Ronald (Cathy) Koch; four grandchildren, Nicole (Eric) Cromer, Sarah, Kayla, and Jessica Koch; three step-grandchildren, Jessica McDermott, Patrick McDermott, and Sarah Goode; one great step-grandchild, Thomas Cynar; and one sister, Doris (Harry) Land. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives; his brothers, Elmon Koch, Raymond Koch, Leroy Koch, Alfred Koch, and Clarence Koch; his sisters, Lucille (John) Weatherwax, Betty (Wayne) Wertz, and Irene (Herman) Perkins. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. Memorials may be directed to the Ottawa Lions Club or Cure JM Foundation.