Carroll Koch

Carroll Robert Koch, 83, of Decatur, IL, passed away on Friday, May 20, 2016 at Fair Havens Christian Home after a long battle with MS. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, at Northwest Christian Church, Decatur, with visitation from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at the church. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Decatur. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes are assisting the family with the arrangements. Memorials may be made to: Northwest Christian Church or Fair Havens Christian Home. Carroll was born May 2, 1933, in Decatur, the son of Raymond W. and Bessie Mae (Lawler) Koch. He married Marcia Churchman on May 18, 1957 in Decatur. She preceded him in death in February 1999. He later married Susan Koehler April 13, 2002, in Decatur. Carroll served his country in the U.S. Army. He retired as Captain from the Decatur Fire Dept. on November 23, 1989 after 34 years of service, and was a member of the Illinois Association of Retired Firefighters. Carroll also worked in the parts dept. at Sears for over 20 years. Carroll was a member of Northwest Christian Church, where he previously served as a Deacon and Elder. He was a member of the American Legion Post 105. Carroll enjoyed traveling to Alaska and Europe including Germany, France, Italy and Belgium. He also enjoyed working crossword puzzles, working with stained glass and running Bingo for the retired firefighters. Carroll was a former volunteer at Fair Havens Christian Home where he painted each room four times, and also volunteered at Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed being at home watching his favorite TV program Wheel of Fortune. Surviving are his wife: Susan of Decatur; daughters: Linda (Derek) Bushong of Decatur, and Cathy (Willard) Kastning of Sullivan, IL; step-children: Joseph (Jill) Koehler of Decatur, John Koehler of Tampa, FL, and Jerry (Melissa) Koehler of Decatur; grandchildren: Jimmy Bostic of McHenry, IL, Nicholas (Whitney) Bushong of Decatur, Mindy (Neil) Matheson of Sullivan, IL, and Amber (Zach) Welton of Mt. Zion, IL; step-grandchildren: Brandon Koehler, C.J. Koehler, Nicole Eaton, Adam Koehler, Kayla Koehler, Jerry Elliott Koehler, and Shelby Dixon, all of Decatur; great-grandchildren: Annelise Welton, Kamryn Welton, Kaylie Bostic, Ellie Bostic, Olivia Matheson, and Mayla Bushong; and brother: Bill (Bette) Koch of Bradenton, FL.Carroll was preceded in death by his parents, first wife: Marcia, brother: Raymond Koch and sister: Rosellen Karns. Carroll was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. “I’ve learned from your love, been inspired by your spirit, and changed by your life.” “Fly the W!” "
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