Dennis R. Koch

Dennis Ray Koch, age 67 of Fordyce, Nebraska, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday morning, July 9, 2019. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 15, 2019 at 1:00 pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fordyce, NE with Reverend Jim Keiter officiating. Burial will be in the St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Fordyce. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 pm on Sunday, at the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Monday. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington. Dennis was born on December 30, 1951 in Sioux City, IA to Cletus Leo and Beverly Ann (Stukas) Koch. He grew up in the Fordyce area and graduated from Cedar Catholic High School in 1970. After graduation, Dennis attended Commercial Art School in Omaha, NE. On December 23, 1972, he married Pam Peterson in Fordyce, NE. After their marriage, Dennis worked as a commercial artist until they moved back to Fordyce in February of 1973 to help his dad farm. He also raised hogs until 1991. Dennis worked in the maintenance department at the Yankton Inn for 6-7 years. From 1998 until 2014, he worked for Gehl in Yankton, which is now Manitou Americas, primarily as a welder. Dennis was a member of the St. John the Baptist Church in Fordyce. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, hunting, pool, golfing, horseback riding, playing slots, and cooking. He was a talented artist and did commissioned art work for various people in the area. Dennis is survived by his wife, Pam Koch of Fordyce, NE; three sons, Chad & Jessi Koch of Fordyce, NE, Eric Koch of Yankton, SD, Shawn Koch of Yankton, SD; three sisters, Victoria & Larry Larson of Viborg, SD, Barb & Tom Cobler of Hartington, NE, and Donna & Bill Lauer of Hartington, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother George, beloved Arabian horse Starfire, and his red wolf, Koda.