Bruce Koch Obituary
Bruce attended country school through the eighth grade, and was a graduate of the Lake Preston High School in 1962. He was united in marriage to Patricia Hanify on December 28, 1965. Bruce continued his education at Black Hills State University and received his B.S. degree in mathematics in 1967, and received his Master's degree in Education from SDSU in 1973. He was employed as a math teacher and a coach in Iroquois, and Lake Norden, SD. From 1971 until 1977, he was the Principal at the Estelline High School in Estelline, SD. From 1977 until 2002, Bruce owned and operated Koch Insurance Agency. In 2002, he retired, spending his time between Florida and is cabin in Lake Poinsett.
He was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Estelline, and St. Paul's Catholic Church in Leesburg, Fl. Bruce was a member of the Elks Club in Brookings, SD, the Jaycees in Estelline, SD, the Eagles Club in Okahumpka, FL, Moose Club in Minneala, FL. Bruce enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating in South Dakota, pickleball, and softball in Florida.
Bruce is survived by his wife Patricia; children Tracy Koch of Brookings, SD, Brian (Peggy) Koch of Owatonna, MN, Spencer (Lori) Koch of Mankato, MN, Stuart (Yazmin) Koch of Eagan, MN; seven grandchildren; and four great- grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clair and Verna Koch, his brother Larry and his wife Janice and their son Shane, brother Gary Koch; sister Kay Anderson and her husband Ronald; sister-in-law Karen Seligmann; father and mother-in-law Paul and Roseada Rasmussen.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
210 Bell Avenue PO Box 259, Estelline, SD 57234
People and places connected with Bruce
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Koch
Make a Donation
in Bruce Koch's name
How to support Bruce's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Bruce Koch's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more