Vernon F. Koch
Mr. Vernon “Butch” Koch of Venedy, IL departed this life at his residence on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 2:10 A.M. after a sudden illness. He had attained the age of 80 years, 8 months, and 12 days.
Vernon was born in Washington County, IL on February 25, 1942, the son of Otto and Leona (nee Finke) Koch. He was baptized in the St. Salvator Lutheran Church in Venedy on March 14, 1942, by Rev. Saleska. He was later confirmed in the St. John United Church of Christ in Plum Hill, IL on February 11, 1968, by Rev. Broetzmann. Vernon was united in marriage to Geraldine Lunte in St. John’s United Church of Christ in Plum Hill on May 6, 1967, and she survives his passing.
Mr. Koch served in the United States Army, having attained the rank of Private First Class. Vernon worked at FS for 34 years as the manager of the Venedy Grain Elevator and later as manager of the fertilizer plant until his retirement. Butch loved farming and worked as a farm hand even after his retirement from FS. He was a faithful member of the St. John United Church of Christ at Plum Hill. Vernon loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and truly enjoyed following them in their various sporting activities.
Left to mourn his passing are his two children, Kim Borja and husband Walter of Freeburg, IL and Keith Koch and wife Kathy of Okawville; eight grandchildren, Stephanie Brisk and husband Justin, Nicholas, Antonio, and Isabella Borja, Allison Dial and husband Jonathon, Kevin Koch, Amber Koch and special friend Nathan Middendorff, and Amy Koch; two great grandchildren, Jacob and Huntleigh Scheifer, and baby girl Brisk who will be arriving soon; an aunt, Elaine Wernecke; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as a host of friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Marilyn Segelhorst and husband Bill; his in-laws, Milton and Gertrude Lunte; a brother-in-law, Harlin Lunte and wife Karen; and a Godchild, Vernon Paul Segelhorst.
Funeral services will be held from the St. John United Church of Christ in Plum Hill on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 11 A.M. with Pastor Don Jones officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Friends may call at the St. John United Church of Christ on Wednesday from 9 A.M until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. John Building fund or to the charity of the donor’s choice and will be accepted by the Campagna Funeral Home.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.campagnafuneralhomes.com
