John N. Koch

John N. Koch, 96, of Yakima, Wa, died at home with his family. John was born in Luverne, Minnesota on November 23, 1909 and was number 6 of 15 children. He lived the past 7 years in Yakima.

He moved to Sumatra, Montana with his family when he was five years old. After living in different places in the United States, he moved to Huntley Project in 1958 where he worked at the state experiment farm. John married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Crum at the age of 29 and spent the next 50 plus years raising his own family. He is preceded in death by Mary Ellen and daughter Roberta.

Survivors include daughters Joyce Chavez of Nebraska, Nancy (Gene) Krieger of Huntley, and Carol Welborn also of Huntley. Sons Leo Koch of Pensacola, FL, Phil (Joyce) Koch of Ballantine, Robert (Anna) Koch of Yakima, WA, Ronald (Mary) Koch of Ontario, CA, Stanley Koch of Missouri, and Jim Koch of Huntley. John is also survived by a brother Joe Koch, of Bridger.

A Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday at St. Cyril and Methodius Church in Ballantine. A parish vigil will be held 7:00 PM Tuesday, also at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Memorial Home Care Hospice Services, 1019 South 40th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98908.