Edward Koch
March 19, 1928 — June 12, 2011
OLATHE — Father, friend and husband, Edward Edwin Koch, of Olathe, Colo., passed away at home Sunday, June 12, 2011, after a short illness.
Edward “Ed” or “Buster,” as he was often called, was born in Hillside, Colo. to Helmuth and Esther Koch. He went to school in Westcliffe, Colo. and was drafted in 1950 to serve in the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Frances Jean Oelrich, Oct. 2, 1950, just 16 days before he left for Korea. Upon returning from Korea, he made his home in Pueblo, Colo. and later in Westcliffe, Colo. While living in Westcliffe, Ed was involved in dairy farming and ranching. He became a father for the first time in 1954 to a son, Gerald Lee Koch, and again in 1955, a son was born, Howard Edwin Koch, and finally “his little angel,” Jennifer Kay Koch (Lambuth), was born in 1963. He moved to Olathe in 1968 and made his home there until his death. While living in Olathe, he worked in the construction industry and as a mechanic from his home. He was preceded in death by one son, Howard Edwin Koch in 2008; both parents; and three other siblings. He is survived by two brothers, Chet Koch, Russell Koch; and two sisters, Margaret Heller and Lorraine Paxton. He is also survived by his loving wife and partner of 60 years, Frances Koch; one son, Gerald Koch; and his loving daughter, Jennifer Koch (Lambuth). He is also survived by two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Bus was a terrific friend. He was always ready to lend a hand to someone down on their luck and spent many days repairing cars and trucks for people. Oftentimes, they could not afford the repairs after he finished and he would pat them on the back and tell them “Pay me when you can.” Many times he would take something he didn’t need in trade to settle the debt. Buster especially enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and enjoyed traveling in his motor home. He was also a sly card player and enjoyed a good poker game on Saturday night. He will be greatly missed by family and friends and leaves a hole in his daughter’s heart forever.
At the family’s request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service for friends and family will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. Reception will follow at the American Legion Hall, 315 5th Street, Olathe. Donations in lieu of flowers can be mailed to Frances Koch, P.O. Box 342, Olathe, CO 81425. Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 Main Street, Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.
