Myron "Bill" Koch

Myron 'Bill' Koch, known as Doc, age 70, of Ursa, died on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at St. John Hospital in Springfield, IL. He was born on June 18, 1950 in Quincy, IL the son of Myron & Rita (Brink) Koch. He married Mary Kratochvil on June 15, 1974 in New Berlin, IL. She survives. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and active in Cursillo.

Bill attended Quincy University, ultimately graduating with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois. He had a mixed veterinary practice, serving both large and small animals for over 40 years. He was the original owner and operator of Western Illinois Veterinary Clinic. Bill was a lifetime member of the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), a member of the Beef Producers Association and was instrumental in creating the Western Illinois Cattle Alliance Group. He also received the Agriculture Business of the Year Award. Throughout his career he enjoyed mentoring students while taking them on calls with him in the country and in the clinic setting.

Bill was extremely involved in the Adams County Fair, serving as their volunteer veterinarian. He started and promoted the 4H Beef Auction. He often worked on old tractors and donated old tools and a display to the Olde Tyme Association now at the fairgrounds.

Education and young people were core values to Bill. He tutored young people in math and other subjects while helping build their self-esteem and independence. He gave many educational talks in schools around the area throughout his career and retirement, receiving the Impact Award from the Friends of Unit 4 Schools. He volunteered with 4H and provided the resources needed to show their livestock at the fair.

Bill was very involved in his local community. He served on the board for the Village of Ursa. He volunteered for the Ursa Park Festival and had been a member of the Ursa Lions Club. He was involved with the Boy Scouts providing his farm for camping and activities.

Bill had many varied interests. He was constantly on a quest for knowledge. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He learned how to make wine and frequently gifted his wine to others. He could build and engineer just about anything including a scale cannon that shot cannon balls, a four foot model plane that flew, model cars and pulling tractors that ran, and model wooden heavy machinery to scale. In his younger years, he was part of the 'mountain men' and went on rendezvous sleeping in teepees, wearing leather clothing that he made, built muzzle loading guns, and cooked their kills on the open fire. He was known for his ability to "witch" wells. In retirement, he enjoyed working on his farm and the farming for others. He enjoyed traveling, his children, and grandchildren. Bill was a very compassionate and giving man. He believed in doing for others. He was always willing to give of his time and innumerable talents.

He is survived by:

HIS SIX DAUGHTERS, the 'Koch Girls': Jennifer Hendricks (Dr. Tracy) of Springfield, IL; Jamie Mixer (Scott 'Joel') of Liberty, IL; Julie Miller (Marcus) of Wellington, MO; Jean Kinder (Michael) of Payson, IL; Joan Goehl (Adam) of Quincy; and Jill Friye (Lucas) of Quincy.

EIGHTEEN GRANDCHILDREN: Andrew, Allison and Anna Hendricks; Grace, Ella Andi, Joel 'Bryce' and Miles Mixer; Isabelle, Wyatt, Elizabeth, and Adalynn Miller; Katie, Karly, and Kolten Kinder; Landon and Evelyn Goehl and Weston Friye.

One SISTER: Pat Koch (Deanna Dixon).

Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

Private family services will be held. A livestream of the service will be on the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Facebook page and YouTube on Saturday, January 16, 2021 starting at 1:00 PM. Interment will be held in Calvary Cemetery. A drive-thru celebration of Doc's life will be held at the family home in Ursa on Sunday, January 17, 2021 beginning at 12:30 PM at the south entrance of the Ursa Park. Memorials may be made to John Wood Community College Foundation (scholarship to be determined), St. Dominic's school, or to the Adams County Fair. Duker and Haugh Funeral Home is handling arrangements.