OREGON, WI - Gary Wayne Koch, age 77, of Oregon, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital.

Gary was born on July 2, 1948, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, to John and Edith (Gable) Koch.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS WASP, where he was a member of the Mitrogs team that retrieved the Gemini capsule on November 15, 1966. On September 4, 1971, he was united in marriage to Christine Ferris.

Gary devoted 45 years of his professional life to his career as a logistics manager, retiring in 2015. A natural mentor and leader, Gary spent more than 20 years coaching his sons in Germantown Recreation basketball and Little League. He also served as a site coordinator for Germantown Recreation, coached AAU basketball, and was a den leader with Cub Scouts. Additionally, Gary was a proud member of Sgt. Henry Gumm American Legion Post No. 486 in Jackson, Wisconsin, for 16 years.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Christine; three sons, Brian (Jessica) Koch, Jeremy (Laurie) Koch and Greg (Jit) Koch; grandchildren, Clayton, Kendall, Lilla and Lincoln; sister, Judy Williams; and brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Edith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, with Father David Wanish presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Community Relations Office at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, 2500 Overlook Terrance, Madison, WI 53705 or Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church, 651 N. Main St. Oregon, WI 53575.

The Koch family extends their sincere gratitude to the hospice team at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital for their compassionate care, including the pinning ceremony and Walk of Honor.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515

Gary Wayne Koch

July 02, 1948 - March 24, 2026

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