John J. Koch

John J. "Joe" Koch, 87, of Missoula passed away Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012 at home of natural causes.

He was born Jan. 21, 1925, in Lewistown, Mt. to Rudolph (Doc) and Elizabeth Koch. He grew up in Lewistown and attended school there until WWII when he joined the US Marine Corps on April 9th, 1943 until separation on January 30th, 1946. He was an auto rifleman and carried a BAR. He participated in the initial invasion on Okinawa and later was one of the first to land on and to occupy Japan. Other service locations were the Asiatic Pacific area, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Ryukyu Islands, and the Marianas Islands.

After the war he returned to Lewistown and married Marian Jewell "Patty" Aastrom. They lived and worked hard in Lewistown, Helena, and Missoula, where he retired from the printing trade. They raised two children during that time.

Joe was an avid hunter and fisherman around Lewistown. He was known as "one of the best" Spring Creek fisherman during the 1950's. He was also a fine snowmobiler. He later changed his philosophy about hunting and decided he just enjoyed watching and helping the wild animals around their Swan Valley home.

He was a lifelong member of the American Legion in Lewistown and was always happy to pass along a "Semper Fi" to the younger Marines while mall walking. He attended many 6th Marine Division reunions all over the U.S. and enjoyed seeing old friends from the past.

Survivors include his wife Patty of 65 years, one daughter, Linda (Bill Phillips) of Kennewick, Wa., one son, Bill (Aleth) Koch, of West Yellowstone, and Lewistown, Mt, and grandchildren; Angie Koch, Brenton Koch, Scott Phillips, and Tonya Kidder and 6 great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter, also his buddy, Tiger, the cat.

Cremation has taken place at Sunset Funeral Home. No services are planned as those were his wishes.


Read John Koch's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.