Donald M. Koch
August 17, 1923 - July 12, 2020
Obituary
MADISON - Donald "Don" Koch, age 96, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2020, at the VA Hospital in Madison. He was born on Aug. 17, 1923, in Sun Prairie, to Peter and Anna Koch.
Donald married Marcella "Sally" Suchomel on Oct. 11, 1944, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cottage Grove. They celebrated 65 years of marriage prior to Sally's death in 2010. Together they had four children, Duane, Connie, Robert, and Daniel.
Don was drafted into the U.S. Navy and served in World War II for two years. Upon his return from the war, he met his one-year old son, Duane. Don worked for a time at Gardner Baking Company and was self-employed as a builder. He also owned his own business selling and servicing dry cleaning equipment throughout the state of Wisconsin. He made many lifelong friends along the way.
Don enjoyed polka music, dancing and telling a good joke. He played the accordion for anyone who would listen. His tag lines were: "I need a new accordion, this one makes mistakes." and "We're not good, but we're loud."
Don is survived by his children, Duane (Janet) Koch of Lake Jackson, Texas, Connie Wagner of Woodbury, Minn., Robert (Anna) Koch of Phoenix, Ariz., and Daniel (Wendy) Koch of Madison; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sally; parents; siblings, Norbert, Roman, Frederick, Anna, Marie, Lucille, Lawrence, Elizabeth, Betty, and Susan; and grandson, Tyler Koch.
The family will gather to celebrate Don's life at a later date when it is safe to do so. A special thank you to the staff at the VA Hospital and Clinics as well as the staff at Drumlin Reserve Assisted Living where Don resided for the past few years. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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PM
Patricia Terasa Maniaci
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There are so many fun and funny events that I remember about Don! I remember his laugh and smile! I remember his love of music and playing the self taught accordion. He loved telling stories and dirty jokes. I also remember the first time I was at his home and using the bathroom with a toilet seat cover that looked like it was made out of barbed wire! He always loved a good laugh. You were one of a kind that will be missed by everyone that knew and loved you! Rest In Peace. Sally will be glad to be back with you!
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Patricia Terasa Maniaci
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Until we meet again!
K
kate
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Condolences to Don's family, especially his grandaughter Steph. After knowing each other for our a couple of years in college, Steph and Idecided to room together the next year. It was only after talking about our families that we realized that we had Don in common. My dad had worked in dry cleaning with Don for years and Steph and I had actually met, years earlier, at a party for Don in Wisconsin. I only met him a few times, but he was an incredible man (and incredible accordian player). I'm sure he will be greatly missed. Sending love to the whole family.
DD
Dona Dyer
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My most sincere sympathy in the loss of your Father Don Koch. I met Don several years back through my husband, Shorty Dyer. They frequented the same barbershop and would meet at 5:30 A.M to. visit and talk smart with the other regulars at the barbershop. We were fortunate to have Don play his accordian at our 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries. We loved the music and polkas. We also had the privilege of meeting Duane, Bob, Connie and Dan during the years. We thoroughly enjoyed going to The Aster when Don had Duane and other friends play there. We visited Don fairly often and, after my husband passed, I told Don I would continue to visit him. He seemed pleased to hear that and I tried to get up there every couple of weeks. I felt bad that I hadn't been able to see him since the COVD l9 but he did call every night about 7:30 P.M. Unfortunately, my home phone was inadvertently disconnected June 22 so he hadn't been able to get through since then. I finally started to try to call him and that"s how I found out he was in VA Hospital. Thank you, Dan, for returning my call. Don was a good man who had a good sense of humor and I enjoyed visiting with him. I will miss that. May he rest in peace.
Dona Dyer
LS
Linda Stinson
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My condolences to the family, Don was a great man and friend to all. I hope he is enjoying being with all his family and friends that have passed before him. I know Ralph will be happy to see him. I will miss his weekly calls. Rest in peace
LO
Laurie Olson
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Our condolences to Uncle Don's family. Uncle Don was my godfather and always enjoyed teasing me when i was younger. For years he would tell me that we had the same birthday even though I found out later that his birthday was a day later than mine. His kind and gentle soul will be missed. Rest in Peace Uncle Don.