Bernard Koch

December 21, 1935 - August 6, 2018

Bernard “Ben” Koch, 82, of Winnie, died peacefully at 6:30 a.m. on August 6, 2018, at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont. Ben was born to Mathias and Alma Koch of D’Hanis Texas and is survived by his “lovely bride” Genevieve “Gen” Koch of Winnie; children, Glenn Koch and his wife, Bevan, of Pittsburgh; Allen Koch and his wife, Allison, of Winnie; Jennifer Hoelscher and her husband, Shane, of Spring; Kevin Koch and his husband, Robert Schmidt, of Austin; grandchildren, Ryan, Michael, Jonathan, Anna, and James Koch and Catherine, Grace, Benjamin, and Jacob Hoelscher. He was preceded in death by brothers, Leo and Gene, and sister, Louise Blount, and is survived by brother Matt M and sister Charlotte Lutz.

After graduating from D’Hanis high school in 1954, Ben worked as a cowhand at his uncle’s ranch in D’Hanis, which he enjoyed very much. He then served in the US Army for two years in California before returning to Texas. After meeting and marrying Gen in 1962 in Sinton, Texas, they moved to the Winnie area in 1964 where he worked as a supervisor at the Goodyear Chemical Plant for 35 years. After retirement in 1998, he and Gen traveled extensively and enjoyed time with their growing family and lifelong friends.

He was tirelessly devoted not only to his family and friends, but also his community, contributing countless volunteer hours to area schools, Little League, and St. Louis Catholic Church, serving as a member of the Knights of Columbus, running the rice ball booth at the Texas Rice Festival, and serving funeral meals well into his later years. He will be remembered for his intelligence, easy conversation, and good sense of humor.

A Rosary for Mr. Koch will be recited at 5:00 p.m., followed by a gathering of his family and friends until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at Broussard’s, 134 Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 9, 2018, at St. Louis Catholic Church, 315 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. He will be interred in a private ceremony in D’Hanis, TX, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the East Chambers ISD Education Foundation, 270 School Road, Winnie, TX 77665, www.ecisdef.com 409-296-8186.

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Broussard's Crematorium

Broussard's Crematorium
  • 5150 stivers street beaumont tx 77705

Funeral Mass

Funeral Mass
  • 315 w. buccaneer drive winnie tx 77665
  • 08/09/2018
  • 11:00 am

Gathering of Family and Friends

Gathering of Family and Friends
  • 134 w. buccaneer drive winnie tx 77665
  • 08/08/2018
  • 4:43 pm

  • 134 w. buccaneer drive- winnie tx 77665
  • 08/08/2018
  • 5:00 pm

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Comments
Kathy & Duffy Breaux,Jr.

To the Koch family ! We are so sorry for the passing of such a fine man! My God give you and your family comfort & Peace during this difficult time!

Daniel Klapuch

My thougjhts are with Aunt Gen and the rest of the Koch family. Uncle Bernard was a class act. I remember as a kid spending the holidays there.. He used to laugh when we would try to catch those crawfish with a piece of bacon and string in his ditch. Gonna miss you Uncle Bernard!!! RIP. Daniel

John and Berny Klapuch

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Aunt Gen and the family. Uncle Bernard will be greatly missed. I remember him as a man of Great faith. May prepetual light shine upon him, and may he rest in peace.

Ward and Dorothy Perry

Our sincere condolences.

Johnny Jenkins

Hello Koch family, It's with my deepest regrets in the passing of Mr. Koch. He was a great man. Words escape me but please know that I'm thinking of you.

Anna & Wade Rascoe

Dear Aunt Gen & Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Uncle Bernard was such a gentle & kind man with twinkling eyes. Know that you are in our prayers .

Christina Huckaby

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of great loss. May the Lord grant you peace, comfort and courage as you face the days ahead.

NL

My sincere condolences to the family at this difficult time. May you all seek God for comfort, peace, strength and support (2 Cor 1:3).