Elroy C. Koch

Elroy Charles Koch, son of John D. and Laura Koch, was born January 10, 1937 in Kiron, Iowa. He passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison at the age of 80 years. Due to failing health he moved to Eventide in May of 2016.
Elroy was baptized February 28, 1937 and confirmed April 2, 1950 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Stockholm Township, Kiron, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm one mile south of Kiron. He attended country school at Stockholm #4 and then attended Kiron High School graduating with the class of 1955. Elroy excelled in baseball and basketball while in high school. He played for the Kiron Merchants fastpitch softball team for many years following high school.
On October 8, 1960 Elroy was united in marriage to Barbara Johnson of Kiron at the Immanuel Hospital Chapel in Omaha. Elroy and Barbara made their home in Kiron, Iowa. They were blessed with the births of three children: Tom, Marcy, and Charles. From 1958-63 Elroy served his country in the National Guard. He learned the carpentry trade from Gene Bergman of Kiron. Elroy and his brother, Verlin, had a construction business together for a brief time. Following this he began farming the family farm south of Kiron. He later began a trucking business that started with corn cob hauling. His two sons joined him in the trucking business.
Elroy dedicated 25 years as a volunteer for the Orphan Grain Train based in Norfolk, NE. For the past 22 years he was the local branch manager. Elroy and Barb worked as warehouse coordinators of “OGT” arranging for numerous shipments of clothing and medical supplies within the U.S. and internationally. He took great pride in being able to serve in this role. His grandchildren and their friends have many great memories of helping Grandpa at “OGT”.
Elroy was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Kiron, Iowa and served in many capacities. He was also a member of the Lutheran Laymen’s League. From 1977-83 Elroy served on the Denison Community School Board of Education where many life-long friendships were made.
Elroy’s family brought him much joy as he could always be seen and usually heard in the stands at any of their activities. Grandpa Elroy was famous for his trips to the DQ with the kids. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were extra special to him. Even in his final days his “buddies” brought a smile to his face.
Elroy was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Barbara. Other survivors include: children Tom (Donna), Marcy (Scott) and Charles (Erin); 7 grandchildren Amy (Jeff), Bret (Andrea), Jared (Kathryn), Nathan, Rachel, Alex, and Zachary; 6 great-grandchildren, Madilyn, Bryce, Nellie, Joseph, Camryn & Addison. He is also survived by brother Verlin (Judy) and sister-in-law Betty, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.