Charles D. Koch

Charles Douglas “Charlie” Koch, age 75, of Elkhart, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Charlie was born on June 6, 1950, in Goshen, Indiana, to the late Floyd E. and Virginia R. Koch. He was raised on a farm in Howe, Indiana, where he learned the value of hard work and a love for the outdoors. A graduate of Lakeland High School in LaGrange, Charlie went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University.

He is survived by his sons Kenneth (Jennifer) Koch of Naples, Florida; Chris (Bess) Koch of South Bend; Kevin (Barbara) Koch of Lawton, Oklahoma; Charles “Chuck” D. Koch II of Mishawaka; and John (Taylor) Koch of Atlanta, Georgia. He also leaves behind eleven beloved grandchildren: Devon Michael (Alexa) Koch, Alexis Marie (Phil) Simms, Christian Michael (Jenna) Koch, Makenzi L. Koch, Trinity C. (Elijah) Sloan, Claire Koch, Sophie Koch, Edward Keller, Adrian Keller, Timothy Delahoy and Chris (Samantha) Delahoy. along with seven great-grandchildren—Levi Jonathan, Micah Charles, Kinley Rose, Freyja Everleigh, Leah Marie, Ronald Delahoy, and one more due in February 2026. Also surviving are his siblings Mike (Susan) Koch of Omaha, Nebraska, and Jeannie Leister of Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother George Koch.

For many years, Charlie was an expert mechanic and owned and operated a bike shop Cycle Tune and Accessories for 7yrs. He later worked for Subaru, helping integrate foreign workers into life in the United States before joining S.I.A. as the factory’s lead mechanic. There wasn’t a machine or process in the factory he was not familiar with.

Motocross was one of Charlie’s greatest passions, he was one of the pioneers of the sport in the Midwest area becoming professional in the late 60’-mid 70’s and he passed the love of the sport onto his sons. He knew the ins and outs of a dirt bike like others know a familiar voice, and he loved sharing his knowledge with fellow riders. Charlie raced under #31 and reached very high levels of the sport once finishing 7th in the Nation at Loretta Lynne’s Amateur Championships in the 50+ class and numerous Racer X Midwest Championships throughout the years. Charlie had no limits and did not know the meaning of the word quit. Just a week before his passing, he was still doing what he loved, riding his dirt bike in the Grand Prix at 75 years old.

Charlie was a provider devoted to his family. His grandchildren had him wrapped around their little fingers, and he never missed a chance to show his love or lend a hand. He was unselfish, dependable, and had a heart of gold. Charlie loved playing Euchre with friends and family, cheering for Indiana University basketball and football, and rooting for his Chicago Cubs.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola, with a time of remembrance and sharing of stories to follow at 1:00 p.m.

In his memory, donations may be made to Road2Recovery to assist injured riders. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Charlie’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook Tab above.

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