Eugene Wallace Zoch

Eugene Wallace Zoch, fondly known as Gene, a man of steadfast faith and boundless love, passed away in his home surrounded by family on February 25, 2025, in Houston, TX, after a brave battle with cancer. Born on July 22, 1940, in the small town of Warda, TX, Gene was the ninth and youngest child of Alvin T. Zoch and Ernestine (Mertink) Zoch, baptized on August 4, 1940, by Pastor Paul Eifert of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, and later confirmed in his faith on April 3, 1955, with the cherished verse of John 3:16 as his guide.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Gene's life was marked by the loving bonds of family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Barbara Jane Zoch, who was his partner in life since their destined Christmas party blind date in 1967. Together, they created a family that included daughters Angela (Paul), Patty (Jeff), Kimberly, and Amy (Brian), as well as nine grandchildren: Leighanne, Darrell, Joseph, Nicole, Kerra, Tabitha (Walker), Ethan (Akanksha), Naomi, and Solomon and two great-grandchildren: Adam and Liam; who brought immeasurable joy to his life. Gene also leaves behind his brother Marvin (Joyce) and brother Rudy (Genie), along with sister-in-law Eva and numerous nieces & nephews. His extended family's love and legacy will endure through them.
Gene was preceded in death by his loving parents, baby granddaughter, his brothers Freddie Zoch, Elmer Zoch, and Henry Milton Zoch along with sisters-in-law Ruby and Emily; his sisters Hattie (Vern Sr.) Lovaasen, Irene (Richard) Weaver, and Evelyn (Ernest) Lehmann; niece Linda Schwartz; and great-nephews Daniel Edward Lehmann and Henry Zoch, III. Each of them held a special place in his heart.
An alumnus of Holy Cross Parochial School and La Grange High School, Gene's education laid the foundation for his industrious life. In 1961, he moved from the familiarity of Warda to the bustle of Houston, where he started his career as a framer with a local home builder. His career path led him to Wyatt Industries in 1967, where he excelled as a cost estimator, showcasing his keen eye for detail. He retired from there after 30+ years of service.
Gene was a man who not only built structures but also nurtured community and faith as a longtime, devoted member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Houston, TX. His commitment to his church was a testament to his unwavering belief in God's grace and love. Shortly before his passing, he rejoined Holy Cross Lutheran, returning to his deep Texas Wendish roots with the intention of Warda being his final resting place. There he will join many relatives that have gone on before him.
Alongside Barbara, he built their first 'country' home in Houston, where they resided for 47 years, a testament to their shared vision and dedication. It became a cherished gathering place for family and friends. Their entrepreneurial spirit shone through their rental properties, where they worked together, along with their children to maintain and repair homes. This hands-on approach was a reflection of Gene's handy nature and Barbara's resourcefulness. He taught his daughters exemplary work-ethic as they worked together on the properties.
Gene's zest for life extended to his passion for travel, with family journeys that included cruises around the Caribbean and Greece, and tours through Europe's heartlands, including Germany, Austria, Vienna, and Prague as well as the Holy Land. His interests also led him to antiquing and exploring flea markets, always on the lookout for that perfect find.
In 2013, the desire to reconnect with his Wendish roots and the land led Gene and Barbara to build their second country home on the Warda family farm. This allowed them to spend more cherished moments with family, nurturing the ties that he valued above all. Holy Cross Lutheran Church became a second church family to him & to many of his loved ones.
Gene will be remembered as a faith-filled, loving, hard-working, and handy man who embraced life's challenges with grace and determination. His favorite things to do were spending time with family and working, if there was an opportunity to combine the two things, it made it even more special. These passions were only halted when he physically was unable to continue. His legacy of love, family, and commitment to his faith will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
Eugene Wallace Zoch's life is a tapestry of devotion, hard work, and a profound love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished and honored by those who were fortunate enough to have been a part of his journey. Gene's memory will be treasured forever in the hearts of those who loved him.
All are welcome to attend any or all of the three following services:
The visitation will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations. Family will be present to receive guests from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The funeral service will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 600 FM 1482, Warda, TX 78960 at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025. A graveside service will be held immediately after at the Warda cemetery, followed by a light meal hosted by Holy Cross' Ladies' Aide.
A memorial service will be held on March 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 5000 W Tidwell Rd, Houston, TX 77091. The family welcomes all who knew and loved Eugene to join in celebrating his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran School – Houston, Holy Cross Lutheran Church – Warda, or the Wendish Museum – Serbin.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl St., La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com