Arthur Robert (Bob) Koth

With much sadness we announce the passing of our father, Bob Koth, on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at his home in Lodi overlooking Mokelumne Glen. He was 86 years old and was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mary Lou Koth, who passed away last year on November 15, 2020. He leaves behind son, Brett Koth, and daughter, Ann-Marie Koth (Phil Silver).
Bob Koth was born in Lodi, California, the son of Roberta Ilene Koth and Arthur Robert Koth and was raised in Lodi, California. His father came from South Dakota to California and Bob maintained contact with his Dakota relatives.
He attended Lodi schools prior to attending Stockton College (Delta College) and College of the Pacific (U.O.P.) where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. During this time he served in the U.S. Army where he became a paratrooper. At C.O.P. he met Mary Lou Paulson who would become his wife. They married on August 9, 1959 in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. Later he earned his Juris Doctor Degree from Humphreys College in Stockton.
He became a parole officer in East Oakland while he and Mary Lou lived in Castro Valley until they returned to Lodi. Daughter Ann-Marie and son Brett were born in Lodi.
Upon returning to the Central Valley he became a teacher at Woodbridge School and taught law, history, and social studies for many years. While at Woodbridge School, he led rock climbing courses and was instrumental in starting an outdoor program called Sierra Quest for Lodi Unified School District.
He had many interests including cross-country skiing, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing and wine tasting. Later he became interested in grape growing and gardening. In the early 1990's while visiting daughter Ann-Marie, who was living in Germany at the time, he became interested in German and Austrian grape varieties. This led to him and Mary Lou starting Mokelumne Glen Vineyards. He, along with his family, introduced German and Austrian grape varieties to the Lodi area.
He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Condolences and recollections can be sent to: Koth Family, 8441 E. Schmiedt Rd., Lodi, CA 95240. A double Celebration of Life for Bob and Mary Lou is planned for late spring of 2021 at Mokelumne Glen when the rhododendrons are blooming.