Obituary for John "Sonny" Koch
John “Sonny” Koch, age 83 of Scottsbluff NE, passed away on Friday, March 24 at Poudre Valley Hospital in Ft Collins, CO surrounded by his family. Cremation has taken place in accordance with his wishes. A special gathering of family and friends will be held Wednesday, March 29 at the Scottsbluff Hampton Inn and Suites from 4-6:00 pm and FORD apparel is welcome to be worn in John’s memory. Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, March 30 at 10:30 am at Zion Evangelical Church in Scottsbluff with Pastor Andrew Griess officiating. In lieu of flowers, it is respectfully requested that memorials in John’s honor be made in care of the family to be designated at a later date. Online condolences may be made by viewing John’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
John was born on December 2, 1939 to John & Leona (Markheim) Koch in Scottsbluff NE. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years and spent one of those years in Japan on Embassy Duty. After he returned to the states, John met and later married Ruby Martin and welcomed 3 daughters, Debra, Tammy, and Kathy Jo. John worked as a meat cutter for Swift & Company until they closed the plant. He then served as Manager of Wickes Agriculture in Scottsbluff. In 1988, John & Ruby decided to move and made Arizona their new home. While living there, John drove over the road for 30 years and logged over one million miles safely. In 2021, they returned to Scottsbluff to be closer to family.
John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and dear friend to so many, and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Ruby of 61 years; daughters Debra (Clay) Rahmig of Gering, Tammy (Dan) Henkel of Scottsbluff, & Kathy Brozek of Surprise AZ; 7 grandchildren & 11 great grandchildren; sisters Norma Blehm and Fran Strachan of Gering, Karen Bergy of Colorado; brother Jim (Ronda) Koch of Gering; sisters-in law Sharon Koch of Scottsbluff, Betty (Jack) Baker, Carol (Dennis) Ambergey), Cathy Thaxter, and brother-in-law Gary Martin all of Idaho, along with many other extended family members and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents John and Leona Koch; sister and brother-in-law Janet and George Brotzman, brother Bob Koch, brothers-in-law LaVerne Blehm, Bruce Strachan and John Thaxter, and father and mother-in-law Jake and Bernice Martin.
John was born on December 2, 1939 to John & Leona (Markheim) Koch in Scottsbluff NE. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years and spent one of those years in Japan on Embassy Duty. After he returned to the states, John met and later married Ruby Martin and welcomed 3 daughters, Debra, Tammy, and Kathy Jo. John worked as a meat cutter for Swift & Company until they closed the plant. He then served as Manager of Wickes Agriculture in Scottsbluff. In 1988, John & Ruby decided to move and made Arizona their new home. While living there, John drove over the road for 30 years and logged over one million miles safely. In 2021, they returned to Scottsbluff to be closer to family.
John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and dear friend to so many, and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Ruby of 61 years; daughters Debra (Clay) Rahmig of Gering, Tammy (Dan) Henkel of Scottsbluff, & Kathy Brozek of Surprise AZ; 7 grandchildren & 11 great grandchildren; sisters Norma Blehm and Fran Strachan of Gering, Karen Bergy of Colorado; brother Jim (Ronda) Koch of Gering; sisters-in law Sharon Koch of Scottsbluff, Betty (Jack) Baker, Carol (Dennis) Ambergey), Cathy Thaxter, and brother-in-law Gary Martin all of Idaho, along with many other extended family members and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents John and Leona Koch; sister and brother-in-law Janet and George Brotzman, brother Bob Koch, brothers-in-law LaVerne Blehm, Bruce Strachan and John Thaxter, and father and mother-in-law Jake and Bernice Martin.