VERNON L. KOCH age 80,
of New Bremen, died on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 3:40 A.M. at his residence. He was born on June 10, 1940 at home near Wapakoneta, the only child of the late Vernon P. and Cleola M. (Ruck) Koch. On May 18, 1968, he married Connie S. Forwerck, and together they shared over 52 wonderful years. She survives in New Bremen. Also surviving are his children Julie Koch of Centerville, Ohio, and Kevin (Kathy) Koch of Coldwater, his grandchildren: Alex, Tony, Max, and Ben Koch, and his in-laws Barb (Jerry) Koeper of New Bremen.
Vernon was a 1958 graduate of Blume High School in Wapakoneta. Growing up on the farm taught Vern the value of hard work, and that carried through in his work at the former Leroy Stamping in Sidney, and later at Honda where he worked for more than
20 years before his retirement in 2004. Vern was a die-hard fan of the Cincinnati Reds, and when he couldn’t get to a game, he would always listen to it on 700 WLW. Along with his love of baseball, he had been an avid bowler and enjoyed other sports, which led to his wealth of knowledge of sports trivia. Through the years Vern and Connie enjoyed traveling, and spending time with their friends. In the early years they frequented the Crystal Ball and later took trips to casinos. They also made it a point to attend their grandchildren’s various activities as often as they could. Vernon went mushroom hunting for many years, and was known as an avid walker, often walking for several miles around town each day.
The family would like to hold public services, but due to Covid-19 concerns, private family funeral services will be held at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, with Rev. Becky Erb Strang officiating. Interment will follow in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen. Memorial contributions in memory of Vern can be made to the New Bremen Emergency Squad (214 N. Washington Street, New Bremen, Ohio 45869) Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home has been entrusted with the services, and online condolences to the family can be left at www.gilberghartwigfh.com.
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Alice Hartwig says
December 2, 2020 at 12:07 pmConnie and family, My sincere and deepest sympathy to you. May your many memories be of great comfort to you.
Vernon and Julia Paul says
December 2, 2020 at 3:21 pmConnie, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Cherish the many memories that you have.
Barbara & Kermit Freewalt says
December 2, 2020 at 6:33 pmConnie and family, our deepest sympathy for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Roger and Cheryl Barlage says
December 3, 2020 at 1:15 amConnie and family— sending our sympathy in the loss of Vern. May God surround your family with his love.
Junior Page says
December 3, 2020 at 1:02 pmVern was a good friend and hard worker for the Material Service department at Anna. He supplied many good times for all of us in the department. My condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Chad, Matt, & George Sheipline says
December 3, 2020 at 1:31 pmSending our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Jennifer (Freewalt) Hays says
December 3, 2020 at 8:08 pmConnie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of growing up with Julie and spending time with your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time!
Chad, Matt, & George Sheipline says
December 4, 2020 at 12:15 pmConnie, sending our deepest sympathies to you and your family with your loss of Vern.
Ned and Nancy Conradi says
December 5, 2020 at 1:22 pmConnie and family, sending our sincere sympathy and prayers for your loss.
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