of Conway, AR
April 24, 1944 - September 5, 2025
Joseph G. Koch, 81, went home to be with the Lord on September 5, 2025.
He was born on April 24, 1944 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Albert and Rose Koch.
Preceding him in death are his loving wife of 51 years, Mary Beth (Pastor) Koch; his sisters, Eileen Strimpel, Dolores Rourke and brothers, Arthur Koch and John Koch.
Joe was an active and supportive member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, a loving husband, father, grandpa and great grandpa. He graduated from St. Edwards High School in Lakewood, Ohio in 1962. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force after high school, where he was trained as an Electronic Technician. While stationed at Jacksonville Air Force Base in Little Rock, AR he met and married the love of his life, Mary Beth (Pastor) Koch.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Katherine (Mike) Velte of Conway, AR; grandchildren, Alex (Grace) Velte and Emily (Cain) Newton, of Conway, AR; His great grandson, Ezra Velte (''Izzy'', as he called him) and his great granddaughter, Charlotte Newton.
Joe is also survived by his siblings, Brother Albert Koch SM, Sr Audrey Koch CSJ, Bill Koch, Roseanne Sopuch, Jeannie Range, Peg Bednar, Flo Murray and Jim Koch. Joe also leaves to cherish his memory, many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors
Joe will be remembered for his creativity, woodworking skills, being a ''fix it man'', finding solutions to seemingly impossible situations, his sense of humor and always turning to God and scripture for answers. He undoubtedly leaves an indelible mark of love in all who knew him.
A Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11:00 am September 10th, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church Chapel, with a rosary beginning at 10:30 am and entombment following in the St Joseph Mausoleum.
Memorials can be made in his name, to any charity that glorifies the Lord and encourages other in Christ.
Joseph's family would like to thank everyone at Heritage Living Center and Gentiva Hospice, for going above and beyond to make him comfortable and cared for, all family and friends and all who prayed for him, sent him cards of encouragement and came by to visit him. He was always so grateful and thankful for all of you.
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12 Condolence(s)
Mary Ellen Kordsmeier
Thursday, September 11, 2025
So very sorry for the loss of your dad.
Eileen C
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Today is Wed. SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 @ 9:25 pm. I just received your Email now. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Especially my dear high school family friend Sr Audrey. I plan to have prayers and a mass for Joseph G. KOCH. And visit Sr. Audrey at her Home Village later this week. Or at her convenience latter. Thank you for your notification. God Bless all.
Eileen C. Drusendahl
Jennifer Hiegel-Shelden
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Joe and Mary Beth were two of the best people. So kind, funny and loving! They are truly missed.
Jackie Harrell
Monday, September 8, 2025
Kathie,
I worked with Joe mainly when his office was at the old Convent building. I would see him a bunch in the summer months as we prepared things for the Bazaar. He was a kind man. Cling tight to those memories and hopefully take much comfort in the thought of he and your Mom reunited and with the Lord. Continued prayers for all of your family.
Gene and Linda Manning
Monday, September 8, 2025
Kathy and family, we send our heartfelt sympathies in the passing of your father. God Bless
Helena Reynaud
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Dear Kathy and Koch family, my husband and I were blessed to be friends of Joe and Mary Beth. I remember the times sharing our faith and PRE Program. I'll always remember a song we liked, and it was so appropriate because it was one thing they exemplified, ''Be Happy''.
Sue Thompson
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Joe was a good Christian man, friend and neighbor. He and Mary Beth were more like family to me than just neighbors.
Anthony Batytes
Sunday, September 7, 2025
The Lord be with you. Rest in peace.
Mary Jean Range
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Dearest Joe,
Thank you for being that
bright shining star in our Family. Caring, giving, wise and totally loving. Our hearts will hold you and Mary Beth close forever❤️
Danny Kordsmeier
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Joe and I used to work together when he was working for Saint Joe's school. It was always a challenge for me sometimes to get accomplished what we were needing to do for the school and church but Joe always had a calm and new approach on how to get something done, he was a very kind and wonderful man and will be missed!
Cecilia Driver
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Joe was my neighbor and l so enjoyed sitting on the porch visiting with him! He was interesting, knowledgable about everything and we always had a laugh or three!!! I will miss my friend.
Farewell,
Cecilia Driver
Jennifer Newton
Sunday, September 7, 2025
We are very sorry for your loss. Sounds like he had plenty of wonderful personality to be missed. We love you~the Newton family