Eugene “Gene” Arthur Koch, 72, Rochester, passed away at 9:39 p.m., Thursday, April 13, at Peabody Retirement Community, North Manchester.

Gene was born in Rochester May 6, 1944. He was the treasured son of  James Russell “Ted” and Frances E. Martin Koch. Growing up he shared his childhood with his sister, Nancy Ellen. In 1963 Gene graduated with great tiger pride from Talma High School.  During his high school years he played on the basketball team and was remembered for his distance running events on the track team.

On Sept. 10, 1966 in Rochester, Gene married the love of his life and best friend, Janice Colleen Bryant. They shared over 50 years of life’s adventures. From their union came three wonderful children: Janelle, Angela and David.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of seven grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

With a passion for agriculture, Gene was happiest in the spring on board his John Deere plowing and tilling the soil, preparing for the planting.  He farmed over 300 acres of corn and beans.  In his earlier years he enjoyed overseeing  a fine herd of Charolaise cattle.  His farm shop included a unique collection of monkey wrenches.

Gene attended the First Baptist Church, Rochester.  As a member of the Fulton County Historical Power Association, Gene enjoyed showcasing his collection of antique  John Deere tractors. He was also a member of the Rochester chapter of the International Order of Odd Fellows.

Each morning began with meeting his buddies for coffee at the round table of the Craig Welding office.  It was here that they shared the latest local news and solved the world’s problems.  No day was complete without lunch at the VFW, while enjoying a burger and coke.

Paramount in his life was his family, Grandpa Gene was proud to oversee four generations.

Left to cherish Gene’s memory are his wife, Janice; two daughters, Janelle Shanes and husband Jim, Rochester, and Angela Merley and husband Eric, Claypool; a son, David Koch and wife Kristy, Rochester; seven grandchildren, Tyler Skarbek, Jessie Skarbek, twins – Maycee and Lillie Koch, Kennedie Brooks, Shay Merley, Kayla Merley; great granddaughter, Natalee Ann Mooneyhan;  a sister, Nancy E. Trump and husband Robert, Tippecanoe; mother-in-law, Rowena Bryant, Rochester and two nieces.

Preceding Gene in death are his parents and father-in-law, Kenneth D. Bryant.

A celebration of the life of Gene Koch will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 18 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Rev. Junior Bose and Dr. Mark Spencer will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 4-7 p.m. on Monday and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home on Tuesday. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the Bethlehem Baptist Church, 3516 N. 650 E. Rochester, IN 46975  or First Baptist Church, 1000 Main St., Rochester, IN 46975. On line expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.