Marvin Albert Koch

1915 - 2012

Marvin

Albert Koch

Asheville - Marvin Albert Koch, 96, of Asheville, died Saturday, February 4, 2012 at John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center. A native of Owensville, Missouri, he was son of the late August Frank and Elizabeth Emma Kottwitz Koch. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his daughter Anne Koch Harter.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Eunice Thomas Koch; his son, Robert Alan Koch of Norcross, Georgia; his granddaughters, Christiana Kittrell of Sterling, Virginia, Michele Jackson of Ellicott City, Maryland, Lisa Swoboda of Towson, Maryland, and Caroline Emily Koch; and his great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Kittrell, William and Benjamin Jackson, and Ian and Phoebe Swoboda.

Marvin was raised on a Missouri farm during the years of the Great Depression and his humble beginnings quickly taught him the values of dedication, hard work, and optimism. His farming days would later lead to a love of gardening - he grew vegetables and beautiful azaleas and other flowering shrubs. Strolling through the Koch backyard was like a trip to the botanical gardens.

He attended Central Wesleyan College and received an associate degree in education, initially considering a career in teaching. His first job was as an employment interviewer. His career took a halt with his entry into World War II at the age of 26. He was in active service for four years, serving in the United States Army as a military personnel officer, including years in North Africa commanding a hospital detachment.

Following his years of service, Marvin began what would become a 27-year career with the Veterans Administration, building on his wartime experiences and directing personnel operations at several VA hospitals across the country, based in Washington, DC. His military and civilian career responsibilities in personnel operations turned out to be an ideal fit for Marvin's genuine enjoyment of working for the betterment of others.

Marvin's retirement in 1974 brought him and his family to Asheville. He became an active member of his new community, conducting fund-raising campaigns at the YMCA, volunteering at the Council on Aging, and assisting at the office of US Congressman Bill Hendon. The move to Asheville also began Marvin's long run as a loyal fan of the Atlanta Braves, almost never missing a game. In his 38 years of cheering for the team, they were World Series champions only once, but ever the optimist, Marvin always believed that next year would be the year for them to win.

His retirement years also gave Marvin the opportunity to build and sell affordable homes to several families around Asheville and Weaverville. He took great care in selecting all the finishings and details, ensuring that the homes were of good quality, but still a good value. Many times the new homeowners were young families buying their first home and Marvin would lend them enough to be able to make the purchase. He would establish a caring relationship with the homeowners and would often excuse a late payment during a difficult month, not unlike his favorite actor, James Stewart, in "It's a Wonderful Life".

In his later years, Marvin took an interest in learning about his extended family. He embarked upon a project to research his ancestors and contemporary relatives and thoroughly enjoyed meeting many family members he had not previously known. In the end, he wrote and published a book, documenting for future generations all of his findings.

From the college buddy who wrote "I have never known anybody I am more proud to call my friend" to his work colleague who noted regarding a commendation for Marvin "We have materially benefitted from your leadership and guidance - you have effectively directed a difficult program with positive results," Marvin was universally admired and respected throughout his life.

Indeed, Marvin loved people and people loved him, but his greatest source of happiness and pride was family. Nothing put a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye like when he would tell stories about his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In his younger years, he helped guide them, whether it was as a volunteer at nursery school or a youth basketball coach at the YMCA. In his later years, he beamed with pride seeing his children mature and the children of the next generations be born and grow.

Undoubtedly, the greatest love of his life and his source of happiness and laughter for 51 years was his wife Eunice. Theirs was the truest of friendships, the most giving of partnerships, and the most loving of marriages.

In every way, Marvin was the definitive gentleman and a friend to all he met. He will be forever loved and missed, but the example by which he led his life will never be forgotten.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Tuesday, February 7, 2012 in the chapel of Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue, with Rev. Keith Turman officiating. Interment will follow in Lewis Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home and following the graveside service in a reception at Givens Estates in the living room of Asbury Commons.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Givens Estates, 2360 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803.

Morris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent through the website www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com.