Chet V Koch

Chet Koch passed away on November 26, 2019.  He was born November 21, 1935, In Hillside, CO, to Helmuth and Esther (Cody) Koch and was the youngest of 10 children.  He graduated from Custer County High School in Westcliffe, CO, in 1953.  On January 14, 1955, he enlisted in the Navy, proudly serving his country on the USS Lake Champlain, being Honorably Discharged January 23, 1959.  While in the Navy, he learned the trade of plumbing, which he applied over his entire life by helping family and friends whenever needed. 

He met the love of his life, Jeanine Patterson, in Westcliffe before he left for the military.  Upon his discharge, they were married on March 8, 1959, and just recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.  After leaving the Navy, he attended Western State College obtaining a Bachelor Degree in Mathematics and Physics.  He later went on to obtain his Master’s degree. 

He began teaching in Auburn, CA, returning to Colorado after one year.  He began teaching at Canon City High School in 1963, retiring in 1993.  While employed with Canon City School District, he coached several sports to include tennis, basketball, and his favorite sport of all, baseball.  If he wasn’t coaching, he was filming football or basketball games, and also a Senior Class Sponsor. 

He was active in the community as a City Councilman and was a member of Elks Club Lodge 610 for 45 years.  He loved playing and watching sports.  He played competitive fast-pitch softball for many years taking his family all over the country playing in tournaments.  He enjoyed bowling and playing cards, especially poker.  He was a very competitive person. He also enjoyed his weekly (and sometimes more) trips to Cripple Creek. 

The most important part of his life was his family.  He made every effort to attend all their events.  He was extremely proud of all his grandchildren and rarely missed any of their events.  They always knew that “Papa” would be in the stands, ready to congratulate and always ready to “coach” on what they were doing incorrect to improve their skill. 

He is survived by his wife, Jeanine, children Debbie (Bob) Beaumont, Mary Dice (Terry Waggener), Jim (Julie) Koch.  His grandchildren, Margo Beaumont, Nick Beaumont, Kayla Wilson (Cory Jaramillo), Kristy Dice (Isaac Morgan), Corby Gunter,  Jarett Koch and Trenten Koch.  His great grandchildren, Bailee Cornella, Kennedy Cornella and Jordan Wilson, Chaydin and Cailyse Gunter.  His brother, Russell Koch (Barbara Rahjes), sister-in-law Betty Koch.  Brothers-in-law Jim (Mary) Patterson and Ken (Vickie) Patterson, Sisters-in-Law Helen Olomon and Kathy (Art) Unwin and numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him greatly.  He was preceded in death by his siblings John (Dorothy) Koch, Willa (Jerry) Buzzi, Ralph Koch, Roy Koch, Margaret (Dave) Heller, Ed (Frances) Koch, Lorraine Paxton and Adeline Koch. Brother-in-law Grover Olomon and sister-in-law Darla Koch. 

            In lieu of flowers, a donation in the name of Chet Koch can be made to the Canon City High School Tiger Pride Booster Club, P.O. Box 84, Canon City, CO 81215.

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