Koch, William 1893-1936

KOCH, KAHL, STEFFEN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/6/2024 at 00:42:06

Note: His mother's maiden name is Kahl.

William Koch Dies in Tucson, Ariz.

Young Remsen Farmer Dies After Long Illness. Funeral Here Tuesday.

Death called again at the portals of a home in this community when relatives were apprised last Thursday, of the passing of William Koch, who passed away that day at a hospital in Tucson, Ariz. where he had been for nearly three years for the possible benefit of his health. Mr. Koch was 43 years old. He is survived by his widow, four children, his parents, a brother and a sister. Funeral services were held in Remsen Tuesday afternoon.

Mr. Koch had been in failing health for a number of years and gave up his farm activities in 1933 to spend some time in the south upon advice of physicians, for the benefit of his health. In 1933 he went to a Texas health resort, accompanied by Mrs. Koch and one of their daughters. They made repeated visits to Remsen, their old home town, and were here this year for an extended visit, and at that time Mr. Koch showed decided improvement.

In September they returned to Tucson with treat expectancy, but shortly after their arrival there Mr. Koch showed a decline which grew worse until death took him December 3 at three o’clock in the morning surrounded by his wife and his three daughters, Roma, Arlene, and Lois.

His death was primarily due to tuberculosis, but was hastened with influenza which set in 10 days prior to the end of his life.

William Koch was born April 23, 1893, on a farm southeast of Remsen. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Koch, long-time residents of this community and among the most prominent people here.

He attended the rural schools and remained with his parents assisting on the farm until the time of his marriage on February 9, 1916, to Miss Marie Steffen, also from a prominent Remsen family. Their marriage was performed in Christ Lutheran church of Remsen by the Rev. J. P. Guenther, then pastor.

Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Koch went to farming south of Remsen. They lived on their farm until 1933 and were among the most prosperous farm operators in the community—also were they among the most esteemed.

Because of the continued failing condition of his health they quit farming in 1933 and went to Texas for the benefit of Mr. Koch’s health. They made several journeys back to Remsen for brief visits with relatives and friends and lastly were here for several weeks last summer when friends were remarking of the splendid condition of Mr. Koch. They left again for Tucson, Ariz., and his condition was considered splendid until the message of his decline came followed by word of his death.

Will Koch was a man of splendid Christian character and one who had the confidence and esteem of his many friends because of his personality and general Christian conduct. He was a devoted husband, father, and brother, and friend, and to his many acquaintances was a man who was in general favor because of his manly traits. His early passing is sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends who join in extending their sincere sympathy over the loss of a dear husband, father, son and friend, and a man who in his life earned their esteem.

Surviving are his widow and the following children: Roma, Esther, Arlene and Lois, all living at home. The brother is Ernest Koch and the sister is Mrs. Anna Kluver, also both of Remsen.

The body was brought to Remsen and funeral services were held in Christ Lutheran church Tuesday afternoon, beginning at the home at 1:30 o’clock, and with services in the church immediately following. The Rev. A. Noack, pastor, officiated.

Pall bearers were Carl Ott, Emil Gehrens, Fred Secl, Carl Klaschen, William Foken and Adolph Witt.

Remsen Bell Enterprise
Thursday, December 10th, 1936
Remsen, Iowa