Gary Koch, age 76, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home on December 16, 2020. He was born on December 13, 1944, the son of Wilbert and Helen (Neyer) Koch.
Gary worked for Dana Corporation for years and was able to retire from there at an early age. He also drove a school bus for Chelsea Community Schools for many years. Gary retired, but could not sit still and just enjoy retirement—he liked being around people and earned another job, driving the WAVE bus in Chelsea, retiring from there in 2019. He loved to travel with his wife, and during his life he was able to travel to all but two of the United States. He loved his family—especially his grandchildren who always brought a smile to his face. Gary was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church.
On June 19, 1965, Gary married his first wife, Karen (Keezer), who preceded him in death. On August 30, 1997, he married Kathleen (Hamel) and she survives. Also surviving are four children, Kevin (Sharon) Koch of Ann Arbor, Jason Koch, Jennifer (Doug) Groves of Manchester, and Julie (Riley) Holtz of Adrian; four grandchildren, Emmalee Koch, Ryan and Alyssa Groves, and William Holtz; his sister, Lynda (Jeff) Gladstone of Chelsea and nephew Braden; a sister-in-law, Linda (Bruce) Pratt, and nieces Jodi (Trevor) Zink and Amy (Brian) Cook. Also surviving are stepchildren, Laurie (Troy) Schiller of Chelsea, Bobby Hamel of Arizona, and Todd Hamel of Chelsea; as well as many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. In addition to his first wife, Karen, he was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ronald.
Services for Gary are private. Memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s name to the American Cancer Society or Zion Lutheran Church of Chelsea. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Here is the link to his service
