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Harold Dean Koch
January 13th, 1933 - October 15th, 2024
On a foggy winter day on Friday the 13th of January in 1933, Harold Dean Koch was gifted to the world by Carl and Pauline Koch. A first son and third oldest of seven children, Harold was a welcome addition to the Koch family. He grew up on his family farm and attended school in Kuna, Idaho. He affectionately gained the nickname, Sonny, by his sisters, which would stick for the rest of his life.
Sonny worked on the farm until he joined the Army in 1953. He traveled to Germany and drove a “Deuce and a half” truck, hauling and setting up radio equipment. Upon returning home from the service in 1955, he met the love of his life, coincidentally his sister, Shirley’s, best friend; the beautiful Donna May Berheim. He married his sweetheart on July 7, 1957 in Nampa, Idaho, surrounded by friends and family. The newlyweds honeymooned in a tent by a small lake in Idaho.
In the early years of their marriage, Sonny worked at multiple filling stations in Boise, Idaho, topping off tanks and repairing cars. He showed up every morning with the brightest white uniforms thanks to his doting wife. They began building their family together in 1958 when Sherrie was born, and soon after, Debbie, and Bryan came along and completed their loving household. Harold and Donna raised their family in Meridian, Idaho on a meticulously kept half acre of land. He began working at Associated Foods in 1967 and worked there until his 65th birthday in 1998 when he walked out for the last time and began his much-deserved retirement.
Sonny and Donna enjoyed square dancing and polka dancing and they would often wear matching western shirts and dresses, handmade by his honey. They enjoyed camping and fishing in Idaho’s great outdoors, and especially cherished time spent with family during gatherings and family reunions. They loved to visit the Oregon Coast and often made the trip with sister, Shirley, and her husband, Larry. He loved to play cards with friends and family and loved to watch football, basketball and baseball. Harold was a Ford man through and through and loved and owned innumerable cars and trucks throughout the years, and it all started with a 1951 Mercury. He also had a love for trains and coveted his extensive Lionel model train collection, building elaborate tracks and scenes which he loved to share with his grandchildren. Speaking of which, he took spoiling grandchildren to the next level as the absolute best grandfather and great grandfather to ever heed the role. He and Donna often hosted big sleepovers with all five of their cherished grandchildren, playing games and making memories that they will hold dear forever. He was known for clearing out the garage, setting up heaters and music and creating the best skating rink around! He also attended countless basketball, football, and lacrosse games, and orchestra and band concerts. And when great grandchildren started arriving, he spoiled those ones, too! Everyone knew he loved his sweets and he always made sure there were plenty around for grandkids.
Sonny was often a quiet, mild mannered man like his father, but smart as a whip and a joy to spend time with and talk to. He was an adoring husband, loving father, unmatched grandfather, and if you knew him, you were blessed beyond measure.
Harold passed away peacefully in Meridian, Idaho on the morning of October 15, 2024 surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Pauline Koch; siblings: Gary Koch, Betty Trowbridge (Vernon), Karlene Goettsche (Lawrence); and grandson, Brock Koch. Harold is survived by his siblings: Jean Green (Pete, decd), Shirley Ernest (Larry, decd), and Kenny Koch (Glenda, decd); his wife and true love, Donna May; his three children: Sherrie Kober (Michael), Debbie Koch, Bryan Koch: grandchildren: Michelle Kober (Scott Stuard), Kristen Kober (Jon Cave), Justin Kober (Ashley), Brett Koch; great grandchildren: Kaleb, Kolby, Trevor, Rylie, Hunter, Bailey, Lincoln; and bonus great-grands, Gracie and Kyler.
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