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Al Koch Obituary
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Al Koch was born on March 18, 1956 to Dick and Betty Koch, Alan Koch was 67 years young when he died peacefully on December 18, 2023. He was a proud Iowa native, a product of the Des Moines Public Schools and Iowa State University. Beyond anything, he was proudest of his three ducks Hannah, Lynn and Marly.
As Al put it, he "enjoyed all sports, but excelled at none", so he became an avid fan and statistician of everything athletic. He loved umpiring games, and never made a bad call. During baseball season, Al could always be found watching or listening to the Chicago Cubs and his life was altered by their World Series win in 2016.
Although he would simply call himself a pencil salesman, in reality he was the third-generation vice president of a family office products business in Des Moines. He was an ardent supporter of small business and would go out of his way to shop local. He was an Eagle Scout, and a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, Gnemeth Lodge No. 577, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, and the Des Moines Scottish Rite Consistory. He was a good man and true.
To know Al was to know a friend, and one of the funniest people. Let his memory live on in quiet times of reflection, family gatherings, or in a witty remark.
He is survived by his daughters Hannah (Greg McIntire), Lynn Haden (Jake), and Marly (Ricky Burns); grandchildren Shiloh, Natalie, Owen, Roslyn, and Reid; siblings Susan Bridgford, Dutch (Ella) Koch, and Anne (Dave) Gaer; mother of his children Karen (Steve) Palm; partner Cindy Pollard; a host of nieces and nephews; and friends beyond measure. He is predeceased by his parents Dick and Betty(nee Willis) Koch, and brother-in-law Paul Bridgford.
A visitation with Al's family will be at Iles Dunn's Funeral Home 2121 Grand Avenue Thursday, Dec 28 from 4:00 to 6:00p. His funeral is Friday Dec 29 10:30am at Faith Lutheran Church, 10395 University, Clive (coffee fellowship to follow). In lieu of flowers, memorials in Al's name may be directed to the TRHS Foundation or the Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America.
ILES-DUNN'S CHAPEL
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3 Entries
Peter Rose
December 22, 2023
Al´s wonderful smile and incredible sense of humor fueled his laughter. Which was impossibly funny. We enjoyed so many Cubs games and was always, well usually, optimistic for victory. He was a founding member of the Iowa Cubs Fan Club. His zest for life was inspired. A truly unique and great guy, he will be remembered always and greatly missed. I´m so very happy to have known him and to call him friend.
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Dave Johnston
December 22, 2023
I knew Al in junior and senior high and always admired his droll sense of humor. A kind guy who was friends with kids in every group. When security cameras were a new thing, he said his dad had them in his store, "Probably because he caught a kid stealing an eraser." The world is a better place because he was in it.
Katy Joyce
December 21, 2023
I remember going to a junior high dance with Al. I was so nervous. I talked to him at one of our class reunions, Class of 1974, and I am thankful for that. Rest in peace Al.
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