Koch, John (Jack) Stuart

John (Jack) Stuart Koch of Cedar Rapids, passed away Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013, in the company of his loving family. He will continue to live, however, in the memory of all who knew him, for his gentle ways, loyal devotion, good works and skills as a provider, listener, helper and skilled handyman for all matters moral or mechanical. It would be hard for his family to imagine a better husband, father, brother, grandfather or friend. In this sense, he won't be missed, since he will always be in us if we honor his example.

Jack enjoyed good health for nearly all his 87½ years. His recent setback was a misfortune. In any case, it cheered him immensely to be greeted and encouraged by so many of you during these final weeks. His family thanks you for your kindness.

Jack was born Feb. 27, 1926, the son of Walton Silas Koch and Ora Marie Kennedy Koch, Le Mars, Iowa. His father, a teacher and athletic coach moved the family to Waverly and Mount Vernon, Iowa. Jack graduated from Mount Vernon High School, served as Navy Radioman from 1944 to 1946 in the Pacific Theater, graduated from Cornell College 1950, University of Iowa College of Medicine 1954, served internship at Fresno, Calif. from 1954 to 1955, served General Surgery residency with Surgical Associates, Mason City, Iowa, from 1955 to 1956 and Orthopaedic Surgical residency from 1956 to 1959 at University of Wisconsin, Madison. Dr. Koch formed a partnership with Dr. John R. Huey in 1959 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The practice flourished leading to further alliances and ultimately the formation of the Physicians' Clinic of Iowa. Dr. Koch retired from medical practice in 1998.

Jack and Charlotte Cummings married in Iowa City in 1952 and enjoyed having four children: son, John Koch and wife Mirtha of West Orange, N.J.; daughter, Cynthia Koch and husband Tom of Stony Brook, N.Y.; daughter, Kathryn Bailey and husband Eric of Boise, Idaho; and daughter, Gretchen Walker and husband Michael of Missoula, Mont.; and grandchildren, Alicia Diehl and husband Seth, Valerie Koch, Jack Bailey, Sam Bailey, Elizabeth Walker, Seth Walker and Cameron Dean; and a brother, Richard Koch of Denver, Colo.

Brothers, James and Dennis Koch, preceded John in death.

Dr. Koch served as President Iowa Orthopaedic Society, Mid Central States Orthopaedic Society, Mercy Hospital Medical Staff, initiated Orthopaedic Assistance Training Program, was president of Crippled Children and Adults Society, initiated today's Emergency Medical Technician and Ambulance Service, Amputee Free Clinic and led Cedar Rapids Hospitals intern training program. He served on the boards of Cedar Rapids Community Foundation and United Community Service.

He was a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Life Trustee of Cornell College, member of Hawkeye Flyfishers Association, Henry's Fork Foundation, Trout Unlimited, Silver Creek Foundation and St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

Dr. Koch lectured at Mercy Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital nurses training programs, Cedar Rapids Medical Education Program, insurance companies liability programs, National Nursing Education Program, North Iowa Seminar and helped in the establishment of school scoliosis programs in Eastern Iowa.

The family will have a private Celebration of a good Life.

Please leave a message for the family on the website under obituaries.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages people to perform kind deeds to others and donate to a charity of your choice.