Andrew Koch Jr, 85

Andrew “Andy” Koch Jr, 85, of Columbia Falls passed away peacefully on August 6. He was born on January 2, 1941, to Christine and Andrew Koch in Belfield, N.D. He was number six of 16 children. 

Andy was raised on the family farm near Belfield. After high school he served in the U.S. Army, then joined the Peace Corps and served in Costa Rica. He met and married Susie Sterhan. They purchased the Desert Mountain Lodge in West Glacier, Mont. where they operated both fishing and hunting trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness for several years. 

After his first marriage ended, he met and married Carole Turner. Together they made their home in the Flathead Valley. During their retirement years, they traveled extensively throughout the United States and many foreign countries. 

Andy was an excellent carpenter and built several homes during this time as well. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, playing card games like bridge and pinochle with family and friends. Andy also loved telling stories of his adventures and performing magic tricks for his nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his brothers: Willbert Koch, Paul Koch (Louise), Robert (Connie) Koch and Thomas Koch; Sisters: Lorraine Shubert, Anne West, Paulette Englehorn (Lynn), Judy Palahniuk (Bernard), Cynthia Elhart (Maurice), Nora Molm and Faye Turner. He is also survived by extended family members, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. 

Andy was preceded in death by his wife Carole Koch, parents, Andrew and Christine Koch; brother, Arnold Koch, and sisters; Clara Dowhaniuk, Margaret Millin, and Marcella Olson.

“To the outside world we all grow old. But not brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were.” MM

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 25 at St Richards Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. Luncheon will be provided. Internment follows the service at the Montana Veterans Home Cemetery in Columbia Falls.