Lorenz "Lorry" Koch

Lorenz "Lorry" Koch

Lorenz "Lorry" Koch died peacefully at the Kensington Senior Living Residence in Walnut Creek, CA on August 27, 2017, at the age of 94

Lorry was born in Chicago, IL on December 13, 1922 where he lived with his parents, William and Josephine Koch, and his brother, Bill, and sister Elizabeth Cramer, all previously deceased

Lorry was a dedicated husband, married to his now deceased wife, Marion, for 72 years, and a devoted family man, raising and supporting six children who survive him, including: Katherine Knapp of Orinda, CA; Judy McGinty of Olympia, WA; Gretchen Koch of Los Angeles, CA; Kevin Koch, of Negaunee, MI; Marianne Koch of Berkeley, CA; and Jennifer Koch Brick, of Singapore and Ridgefield, CT He was also a loving grandfather to eleven grandchildren, and great-grandfather to twelve

Lorry and Marion were deeply involved in their communities, including Wilmette, IL, and New Canaan, CT The two of them received the Diocese of Bridgeport, CT St Augustine Medal of Service award in 2012 in recognition of their many years of service to St Aloysius Parish in New Canaan, CT, where the couple resided for 42 years

Lorry was an accomplished businessman, pianist, gardener, joke teller and athlete, who played semi-pro football in Chicago as "Hummingbird Koch," before WWII A veteran of that war, he served as a member of the US 8th Army Air Force, Bomber Group 457 as a B-17 pilot, flying 28 missions He stayed in touch with members of his crew over the years Lorry was also an active member of The Senior Men's Club in New Canaan for many years

A Mass was said for the immediate family at St Mary's Parish in Walnut Creek, CA on August 28, 2017 A Mass will also be celebrated at St Aloysius Parish in New Canaan, CT on September 6 at 10:00 am

Any donations in his memory are asked to be sent to: VITAS Hospice, 355 Lennon Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94598