Owen L. Koch

Owen L. Koch, age 90, of Viroqua, Wisconsin died Monday, October 15, 2012. Owen L. Koch, age 90, of Viroqua, Wisconsin died Monday, October 15, 2012. Owen was born on November 19, 1921 in Boaz, Wisconsin to Carl and Idelle Koch. He graduated from Soldiers Grove High School in 1938. Following a memorable time on a ranch in Montana and a trip to the New York City World Fair he joined the Army. Owen served proudly in World War II with the U.S. Army 232 Sig Oph Company. He fought bravely in the New Guinea, Southern Philippines, Luzon, and Japan Campaigns. Always a proud member of this company, he sadly was their last survivor. Owen was a member of the Westby VFW Post 8021 and was a lifetime member of the American Legion. Owen along with lifelong partner, Bea Marie of nearly 65 years farmed successfully in Richland County for more than 40 years. During that time he was recognized many times for excellence in the dairy industry as evidenced by the numerous progressive breeder awards from the Holstein Association of America. After retiring from farming in 1987 Owen and Bea became residents of Viroqua where Owen then worked for Vernon Telephone Company for some 10 years. Owen took great pride in his lifelong work, his farm, his family and his strong beliefs. He was also an avid lifetime fan of the Green Bay Packers. He was a man of great character and strength and will be missed by all who knew him. Owen is survived by his wife of 65 years, Bea Marie of Viroqua; daughter, Patricia (Dennis) of Merritt Island, FL; sons: Randolph (Heidi) of DeSoto, WI and David (Julie) of Minneapolis, MN. He is also survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is further survived by sisters: Jean Anderson and JoAnne Humble; as well as many other relatives, neighbors, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Idelle; and brothers: Carl and Rupert. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 19, 2012 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The Rev. Lindsay Paul Jordan will officiate with burial and military rites in the Sylvan Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00. In lieu of flowers and plants memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or the Westby VFW Post 8021 in Owens name. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.