John F. Koch

John Francis Koch, 76, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away at the Oldorf Hospice House on April 25, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. John is survived by his children, Sherri, David (Kelly), and Kristina; grandchildren, Abigail and Ryan; brothers, Michael (Mary Ann), Terrence (Denise), and Kevin (Dianne). He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ermina, his wife Sharon, and his sister Marlene. 

John was born on September 1, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa. He graduated from Wahlert High School class of 1966 and received his bachelor’s from Loras College in Dubuque. He later received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Iowa. He married his childhood neighbor, Sharon McGrath, on July 5, 1969. They were happily married for 48 years. He spent most of his working years at Trausch Baking Company and retired from government sales. He also worked for a time at Goodwill and the Iowa Waste Exchange.  

During retirement, John was dedicated to volunteering and helping others. Most recently, he worked with the Linn County Emergency Response Team and volunteered at Central Furniture Rescue. John was an avid genealogist and was the designated family historian. He loved fishing and kayaking. At home you could find him working in the yard and tinkering in the garage.  

Memorial contributions for John can be sent to Central Furniture Rescue, https://centralfurniturerescue.org/donate/