Koch, William G.'Bill'

William G. “Bill” Koch, 83, died Friday, May 28, 2010, in his Mechanicsville home with his family by his side, after a short battle with cancer. The family will greet friends from 3 until 6 p.m. today at Morgan Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, where a wake service will begin at 6 p.m. Friends may also call at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Mechanicsville, one hour before the funeral service. William's funeral mass will be 2 p.m. Monday at the church by the Rev. Andrew Kelly. William will be buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Mechanicsville.

Surviving William are his wife of 62 years, LaVerna; five children, Michael (Sheryl), Patrick, Judy (Ron) Ferguson, Daniel (Lonni) and Thomas (Shelly); nine grandchildren, Anthony, Chris, Joshua, Bradley, Scott, Traci, Leslie, Jacob and Macy; eight great-grandchildren, Zach, Grayson, Lilly, Cade, Isabella, Ramsey, Rigley and McKane; a brother, Larry (Sammi); a sister, Wretha (Sam); and a brother-in-law, Melvin.

William was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Rosemary and Donna.

William was born July 30, 1926, on his family farm in Stanwood, the son of Herman and Bertha Lehrman Koch. He graduated from Stanwood High School. In 1948, he established Koch's Paint Co. and grew the business into Koch's Paint and Lumber of today. This avid Cubs fan was actively involved in the growth and development of Mechanicsville which he dearly loved. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church since 1948, Mechanicsville Fire and Ambulance Volunteer for 55 years, Mechanicsville Commercial Club, Knights of Columbus, HOO-HOO International Lumber Association, Lions Club and Boy Scouts of America as a leader.

A memorial fund in William's name has been established.

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