Kenneth H. Koch, 85 of Valparaiso, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025. He was born April 22, 1939 in Chicago, IL to the late Carl and Dorothy (Prigge) Koch. A graduate of Bowen High School and Purdue University, Ken made his career as chief electrical engineer at U.S. Steel for 39 years. He retired in 2003 as Manager of Engineering Facility Redeployment. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso, where he served in various ministries, played in the praise band Into the Light, and his passion was projects with buildings and grounds. Ken was also a proud member of the Indiana Dunes Great Banquet Community. He enjoyed watching sports, golfing, puzzles, was a history buff, a beer and wine connoisseur, and a self-taught guitar player. Most of all, Ken loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.
On April 22, 1989 in Hobart, Kenneth married Olga Martinez who survives along with their children, Joseph (Nicole) Garcia and Jennifer (David) Gnaden; grandchildren, Samantha (Brandon) Hamill, Hailey and Cayden Garcia, and Matthew, Jacob, Andrew, and Jessa Gnaden; great granddaughter, Kennedy Rose; brother, Brian Koch; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Ethel Koch and cousin, Bill “Coach” Koch.
Memorial Visitation will be held on April 12, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a Memorial Service beginning at 12:00 PM. A private burial of ashes will take place at Angelcrest Cemetery, Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tanya’s Helping Home, Valparaiso.
GUESTBOOK
Olga, Robert & Jennifer, So sorry about the passing of Ken, Rest in Peace & say hello to all the family above. -Michelle & Ray Plys
