Carrie Lynn Koch, 65, of St. Paul, Minnesota passed away unexpectedly at home on January 29, 2026. She was born August 30, 1960, in Valparaiso to David & Nancy (Stephens) Koch and graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1979. Carrie made her career as a medical billing clerk for over 25 years, which she loved along with her adopted hometown of St. Paul, Minnesota. She enjoyed making all sorts of jewelry items and selling them at craft fairs which included Bohemian bracelets and repurposing vintage jewelry she had acquired. Music was always a part of Carrie’s daily living, especially ABBA, The Eagles, and Tim McGraw. Trips to Sanibel Island and Pompano Beach in Florida with family & friends were always eagerly anticipated along with any destinations that included a lake or ocean. Her generous nature was a lifestyle, donating to the local food pantries and helping furnish neighbors apartments in her complex. Carrie’s loud and boisterous laugh was almost a trademark for her, identifying her in the crowd, and becoming contagious within her group of friends. Just being at home with her beloved felines: “Poppy” & “Dakota” was enough for Carrie. She relished the warm and comforting environment that she had created, but was always welcoming of guests.
Survivors include her siblings: Elizabeth Wright (Tom) of San Pierre, Indiana, Kevin Koch (Wanda Rohweder) of Valparaiso, Jeff Koch of Tennessee & Diana Buechler (Mark Lockwin) of Valparaiso, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles & friends. She was preceded in death by her boyfriend, Cory Prestangen in 2023 and her parents.
A celebration of Carrie’s life will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 12 noon – 3 pm at the Valparaiso V.F.W. Post #988, 705 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso. Memorial donations may be made to the Mission Kitchen, Hilltop Food Pantry, both of Valparaiso or the Independent Cat Society of Westville, Indiana
GUESTBOOK
Rest in paradise Carrie. -Lora (Nightingale) Foster
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. Rest in peace Carrie for we will see you again someday. -Angie McGriffin
