| Graduation Year | Class of 1960 |
| Date of Birth | Jul 12, 1942 |
| Date of Passing | Mar 26, 2026 |
| About | Robert Koch 1942 - 2026 Robert Koch obituary, 1942-2026, Connell, WA BORN 1942 DIED 2026 UPCOMING SERVICE Celebration Of Life Apr. 11, 2026 1:00 p.m. Grace United Community Church Send Flowers Book a Nearby Hotel Robert Koch Obituary Robert (Bob) Ernest Koch, age 83, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, surrounded by the beauty and peace of Priest Lake. Bob will be remembered as a steady, hardworking man whose deep faith, resilience, and commitment to others shaped both his family and his community. He lived a life rooted in service, strong values, and a genuine love for the people and places that meant the most to him. Bob was born on July 12, 1942, in Santa Barbara, CA while his father was stationed in the South Pacific. In 1945, the family returned to their hometown of Lake Elmo, MN where he was raised and attended Stillwater Area schools, graduating in 1960. As a young man, he worked alongside his dad at car dealerships and as an auto mechanic. Growing up in Minnesota, he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors-playing hockey on frozen lakes in the winter and spending summers swimming, fishing, and working on his uncle's farm. In 1960, his mother's job brought the family to Tacoma. He continued working alongside his dad at a full-service gas station before establishing himself as a small business owner with Edgewood Auto Electric. During that time, he enjoyed building roadsters, racecars, and motorcycles, bowling, diving around the Puget Sound, and deep-sea fishing. He became a father in 1964, welcoming Bobby, and Tara followed in 1969. His love for the outdoors eventually drew him to Eastern Washington to hunt and fish. In 1976, he was introduced to Connie Heider at a wedding in Connell, and they were married on January 8, 1977. Together they welcomed Marcie in 1980 and Melissa in 1984. In 1985, the family moved from Tacoma to Connell, where he started All State Auto Electric. He quickly became an active and dedicated member of the community, contributing through his business as well as his involvement with the Connell Chamber of Commerce, Connell Downtown Development Association, the Connell Fall Festival committee, and Connell United Methodist Church. In 1991, he was honored as Connell Man of the Year. He also served for many years as Fire Chief for the City of Connell and Franklin County Fire District #1. He and Connie became active in the Walk to Emmaus community, deepening their faith in God and cultivating many strong friendships. In 2001, he and his business were burned in a fire. Though he made a miraculous recovery, the business was a complete loss. Having to find a way to reinvent himself, he was encouraged to run for Franklin County Commissioner because of his common sense and devotion to the betterment of the community. He was honored to serve for 16 years, sitting on numerous boards and committees while always putting the people of Franklin County first. He made meaningful connections with others around Eastern Washington and across the state. Since retiring in 2021, he treasured time with his family and friends at Priest Lake, Idaho. He especially enjoyed his pontoon boat and chatting with neighbors. At home, he liked to tinker in the garage and go to early morning coffee with the guys. Even as limited dexterity kept him from working with his hands as he once had, he was always ready to share his knowledge and lend advice. Throughout his life, he faced more than his share of challenges but he met them with quiet strength and perseverance guided always by his deep faith in God. A steady presence for his family, he is survived by his wife of 49 years, Connie (Heider) Koch; his daughters, Tara Bashaw, Marcie Koch, and Melissa Thaanum (Ryan); and the grandchildren he adored: Janelle Gard (Stephen Waltrip), Tyler Bashaw, Alex Bashaw, Barrett Thaanum, and Campbell Thaanum. He is survived by many beloved members of the Heider, Koch, and Larkin families. We take comfort in knowing he is reunited with many loved ones who went before him, especially his parents, Ernst and Mary Jean (Larkin) Koch; his brother, Richard (Dick); his son, Robert (Bobby); and his son-in-law, Rich Bashaw. A celebration of a life well lived will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Grace United Community Church at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to C Street Vault/North Franklin Heritage Museum, Northwest Burn Foundation, or Grace United Communit y Church. Published by Tri-City Herald from Apr. 2 to Apr. 5, 2026. |
| Events | Search by Name Robert Koch 1942 - 2026 Robert Koch obituary, 1942-2026, Connell, WA Send Flowers Follow Share BORN 1942 DIED 2026 UPCOMING SERVICE Celebration Of Life Apr. 11, 2026 1:00 p.m. Grace United Community Church Send Flowers Book a Nearby Hotel Robert Koch Obituary Robert (Bob) Ernest Koch, age 83, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, surrounded by the beauty and peace of Priest Lake. Bob will be remembered as a steady, hardworking man whose deep faith, resilience, and commitment to others shaped both his family and his community. He lived a life rooted in service, strong values, and a genuine love for the people and places that meant the most to him. Bob was born on July 12, 1942, in Santa Barbara, CA while his father was stationed in the South Pacific. In 1945, the family returned to their hometown of Lake Elmo, MN where he was raised and attended Stillwater Area schools, graduating in 1960. As a young man, he worked alongside his dad at car dealerships and as an auto mechanic. Growing up in Minnesota, he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors-playing hockey on frozen lakes in the winter and spending summers swimming, fishing, and working on his uncle's farm. In 1960, his mother's job brought the family to Tacoma. He continued working alongside his dad at a full-service gas station before establishing himself as a small business owner with Edgewood Auto Electric. During that time, he enjoyed building roadsters, racecars, and motorcycles, bowling, diving around the Puget Sound, and deep-sea fishing. He became a father in 1964, welcoming Bobby, and Tara followed in 1969. His love for the outdoors eventually drew him to Eastern Washington to hunt and fish. In 1976, he was introduced to Connie Heider at a wedding in Connell, and they were married on January 8, 1977. Together they welcomed Marcie in 1980 and Melissa in 1984. In 1985, the family moved from Tacoma to Connell, where he started All State Auto Electric. He quickly became an active and dedicated member of the community, contributing through his business as well as his involvement with the Connell Chamber of Commerce, Connell Downtown Development Association, the Connell Fall Festival committee, and Connell United Methodist Church. In 1991, he was honored as Connell Man of the Year. He also served for many years as Fire Chief for the City of Connell and Franklin County Fire District #1. He and Connie became active in the Walk to Emmaus community, deepening their faith in God and cultivating many strong friendships. In 2001, he and his business were burned in a fire. Though he made a miraculous recovery, the business was a complete loss. Having to find a way to reinvent himself, he was encouraged to run for Franklin County Commissioner because of his common sense and devotion to the betterment of the community. He was honored to serve for 16 years, sitting on numerous boards and committees while always putting the people of Franklin County first. He made meaningful connections with others around Eastern Washington and across the state. Since retiring in 2021, he treasured time with his family and friends at Priest Lake, Idaho. He especially enjoyed his pontoon boat and chatting with neighbors. At home, he liked to tinker in the garage and go to early morning coffee with the guys. Even as limited dexterity kept him from working with his hands as he once had, he was always ready to share his knowledge and lend advice. Throughout his life, he faced more than his share of challenges but he met them with quiet strength and perseverance guided always by his deep faith in God. A steady presence for his family, he is survived by his wife of 49 years, Connie (Heider) Koch; his daughters, Tara Bashaw, Marcie Koch, and Melissa Thaanum (Ryan); and the grandchildren he adored: Janelle Gard (Stephen Waltrip), Tyler Bashaw, Alex Bashaw, Barrett Thaanum, and Campbell Thaanum. He is survived by many beloved members of the Heider, Koch, and Larkin families. We take comfort in knowing he is reunited with many loved ones who went before him, especially his parents, Ernst and Mary Jean (Larkin) Koch; his brother, Richard (Dick); his son, Robert (Bobby); and his son-in-law, Rich Bashaw. A celebration of a life well lived will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Grace United Community Church at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to C Street Vault/North Franklin Heritage Museum, Northwest Burn Foundation, or Grace United Community Church. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store. Published by Tri-City Herald from Apr. 2 to Apr. 5, 2026. |
