"Sympathy to Gene?s family. QU class of 69. I remember Gene as a smart, sweet and handsome guy. His life story tells me that he had a good and rewarding life. Rest In Peace Gene. "
In loving memory of
Melvin Eugene Koch
January 20, 1949 - July 11, 2021
Melvin Eugene "Gene" Koch , age 72, of Quincy, died Sunday, July 11, 2021, in Blessing Hospital.
Gene was born January 20, 1949 in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Melvin Robert and Isla Marie Harwood Koch.
Growing up in Quincy, Gene attended St. Mary School, Christian Brothers High School, and Quincy University. He went on to attain his Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield. Gene worked for the Illinois Department of Human Services as well as the Department On Aging. He retired from the Illinois State Police after many years as an administrator and grant writer. He was a member of St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and Quincy ELKS Lodge #100. Gene coached youth and high school soccer and entertained children as Santa Claus for many years at local events.
Survivors include: three sons, Benjamin (Kalina) Koch of Chatham, IL, Adam (Tenzin) Koch of Springfield, IL, and Andrew Koch of St. Louis, MO; three grandchildren, Henry, Gretchen, and Norah Koch all of Chatham, IL; and four sisters, Connie Koch of Albuquerque, NM, Bonnie (Kent) Whisler of Bella Vista, AR, Kathy (Jim) Cramsey of Quincy, and Liz Koch of Quincy.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Joseph Cramsey.
Services: A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, July 19, 2021, at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Father David Beagles officiating.
Entombment: Private entombment will be in Quincy Memorial Park Mausoleum, Quincy, Illinois
Visitation: Visitation will be private for family.
Memorials: Adams County Suicide Prevention Coalition (ACSPC) . Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"I was saddened to hear of his passing, he was one of the kindest men I?ve ever known with a huge heart. I met him years ago as Santa, and he came to my house every year to visit the kids as Santa and stay for dinner. My own kids, daycare n myself looked forward to his visits. We had a lot of long conversations and they will never be forgotten. He wasn?t just Santa but he was a genuine friend. To his family, my sincere condolences. I?m saddened that I will not be able to attend the funeral because of work but will be praying for you all."
"Prayers and peace to Mel's family! Jan Hummel - CB-ND Class of 1967."
"To the entire Koch family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad and difficult time. Linda, Chris and Missy"
"Little Gene was bigger than life to all his cousins when we where growing up back in the day. He was the first and led the way for all of us Koch cousins. The wit of Uncle Melvin and the smile and laughter of Aunt Isla. RIP cousin your memory is with all of us."
"My Uncle Gene was one of the greatest men this world will ever know. I am sad to have lost him, but so happy to have had the time I did. Thank you for everything you taught me. You will never be forgotten."
"To the entire Koch family we're very sad to read that little Gene passed away. Please know you all our in our thoughts & prayers. So, so many fun memories over on north seventh. RIP Jeff & JoJo "