Richard H. Koch, 64, of Navarre died Sunday afternoon of April 6, 2025, at the Ohio’s Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia, surrounded by his family.
The fourth of five boys, Rick was born in Warren, Ohio to the late David H., Jr. and Sarah (Ferrell) Koch on August 2, 1960. He was a 1979 graduate of Lakeland High, before going on to Hocking Tech to receive an associate's degree in forestry in 1981. Rick went into the construction field, working for Syl Hostettler Inc. for over twenty years before going to work for Lowe’s for another twenty years.
In his free time, Rick enjoyed fishing, refereeing for basketball, which he did for more than twenty years, watching T.V., mostly sports and Mid-Summer Nights Murder Mysteries, and eating a piece of pie. He also loved to spend time with his kids and grandchildren.
Surviving are Rick’s wife of twenty-three years, Joni (Lienhard) Koch, whom he married on March 22, 2002, his children: Scott (Jessi) Midcap, Ryan (Jon) Koch-Cate, Marcia Koch, Laura Koch, Sammi Jo Midcap Koch; grandchildren: Nathan Midcap, Bronson Lee, Jermaine Pegram Jr., Stanley Pegram, Rozlyn Pegram; brothers: John (Donna K) Koch, David C. Koch, Robert (Donna J) Koch, Pete (Sheila) Koch; mother-in-law Nancy Lienhard, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.
Along with his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his father-in-law John “Vern” Lienhard.
Services for Rick will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. held at Koch Funeral Home of Gnadenhutten, 244 N. Walnut Street, 44629 with Pastor David Koch officiating. Burial will follow in Greenmont Union Cemetery in Freeport. Calling hours, also at the funeral home, will be held on April 9, 2025, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.