Elmer R Koch

Elmer Richard Koch, 87 of North Judson, Indiana was born December 29th, 1934, in Laporte Indiana. Elmer was the 4th son of Fredrick Leonard Koch and Mary Edith Gnuschke. He graduated from North Judson-San Pierre High school in 1953 where he meets his first wife Carole Sue Short who he Married September 8th, 1956. Elmer and Carole had 3 children together, Ray Joseph, James Alan, and Valerie Jean. Elmer and Carole divorced in December of 1991; He then married his second wife Christel Jaehn in February 1992 until her passing in May of 2016. Elmer worked at Joy Manufacturing in Laporte Indiana until he retired in the 80s when the company was bought out. Although that never stopped Him from working, He loved working on Cars and continued his love for cars in his own back yard, Elmers Hobby Shop was Created, and he never technically stopped working because you would find him always tinkering on something in the 2-car concrete garage. Not only did all his children learn to work on cars but Elmer always found time to show several of his Nieces and nephews and whoever else in town came to visit him a few tricks to his trade whenever they came to visit. Elmer never could sit still and stop working, when His wife Crystal passed away, he took over driving bus for the school and officially retired in 2020 at the age of 85, although he would still substitute when they needed him to. One of Elmers favorite things to do in his spare time was go to sporting events. He was at every basketball game I can remember when I was growing up, and always tried to attend to his grandkids and great nieces and nephew's games throughout the years. He also made sure to get together with his siblings for lunches and game nights weekly. He loved his family time. Elmer is survived by 2 of his children Ray Koch and Valerie (Koch) Denham both of South Bend Indiana. Step son Norman Tanaka of Hawaii, 18 Grandchildren, 48 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great Great grandchildren. He is also survived by 4 siblings Dorothy Trusty of Winamac, Indiana, Don (Gloria) Koch, June White, and Betty (Barnes) White all from North Judson, Indiana: and Numerous Nieces and Nephews. Elmer was predeceased in death by his 1st wife Carole Short in 1996 and his second wife Christel Jaehn in 2016. His son James in 2020 and his granddaughter Michelle also in 2020. His brothers Leonard Koch, Paul Koch and Oscar Koch and Both Parents Fredrick Koch and Mary Gnuschke. The Funeral service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church 6692 N. 575 W. Winamac (Denham) Indiana on November 12th, 2022 Visitation and viewing will be at 11 am CST followed by the service at 12 PM Elmer will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetary in Denham, Indiana Following Services, dinner will be served in the basement of the church. In Lieu of Flowers donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or charity of your choosing

Elmer R Koch

December 29, 1934 - November 6, 2022