David Koch

David A. Koch, age 84, passed peacefully away on October 7, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., at Ascension (St. Elizabeth) Hospital. Dave was born on February 3, 1938, to Clarence (Bud) and Leah Koch at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton. He married Barb Jakl on October 16, 1998, and would have celebrated their 24th anniversary.
Dave worked at Thilmany Pulp and Paper for 43 years and retired in 2000. At his time of retirement, he held the position of semi-truck driver, a job he truly enjoyed. He also owned and operated Whiskey Sam's Tavern.
Over the years, Dave enjoyed many interests. His passion was collecting unique and interesting items, which he did for many years. He loved his cottage in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and spent spring through fall there upon his retirement. He was a sportsman, going out to Wyoming for 17 years hunting, as well as fishing in Michigan. His 1950 Chopped Mercury, which we purchased in 1991, won him many, many trophies, and gave him so much joy at all the car shows. Dave was a fun and witty guy before all his health problems and enjoyed life to the fullest.
Dave is survived by his wife Barb; his children: Brian (Carla) Koch, Kelly (John) Swedberg, Craig (Karen) Koch, and Daryl (Sue) Koch; and his grandchildren: Brandon (Whitney Hurst) Koch, Katie Koch, Cory (Sadie) Swedberg, Tyler (Liz) Swedberg, Alyssa (Austin) Durham, Chad (Christine) Koch, Kasey (Tyler) Vande Voort, and Kiana (Andy Swanson) Koch. He is also survived by his 12 great grandchildren, with the 13th on the way; his sisters: Paula (Dwayne) Beyer, and Chris (Michael) Krueger; his siblings-in-law, Bill and Mary Jakl; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dave is further survived by the mother of his children, Judy Koch.
In addition to his parents, Dave is preceded in death by his sister, Karen Andrews; Jamaal Cain (fiancé of granddaughter Katie); his parents-in-law, Bill and Helen Jakl; as well as his siblings-in-law, Dennis and Ann Jakl, and Jim and Coleen Jakl.
Visitation for Dave will be held at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute) on Friday, October 14, 2022, beginning at 4:00 p.m. until time of Funeral at 6:00 p.m.
Barb would like to thank Dr. Michael Werner and his nurse Katie for all their help over the years when Dave chose not to seek medical care. You enabled me to take care of Dave at home right up to the last 24 hours of his life. Without the guidance of you both, this would not have been possible. I will never forget your help and kindness.
Barb would also like to thank Dave's best friend, Kurt Johnson, for keeping Dave entertained with many phone calls and football bets over the last five years. It really meant a lot to him.
"Dave, I love you with all my heart and soul, and my heart aches for you. Although the last five years have been tough, we did the best we could. I give your pillow a hug every day. Until we meet again. Love you always."
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