John Jerry Koch

John Jerry Koch, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away suddenly at home on January 30, 2025, due to complications from lung disease. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

Jerry was born on November 30, 1934, in Sioux City, Iowa, to John Henry Koch and Bessie Christine Peterson. He graduated from Sioux City Central High School in 1953. At Morningside College he was in the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity and graduated with a degree in Business Administration and Economics in June 1957. Jerry embarked on a successful career in accounting, working for Western Contracting, where he contributed to significant projects like the Oahe Dam in South Dakota and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York City. He later joined Peter Kiewit Sons' Company in Omaha, Nebraska.

It was during a visit to Sioux City that Jerry met the love of his life, Barbara Kay Anders. Jerry was called to serve in the Army and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. He returned home to marry Barbara on June 23, 1962, and they went back to Fort Lewis to complete his service. They settled in Omaha, where he continued with Peter Kiewit Sons.

Jerry and Barbara were blessed with three wonderful children: Vianne Kay, James Michael, and John Anders. In 1979, Jerry's job brought the family to Washington where he worked at the Satsop nuclear power plant job. When the project ended, he was sent to Indiana to work on the Marble Hill nuclear plant and eventually back to Olympia, Washington.

In 1984, Jerry founded Financial and Tax Planning Inc., providing tax preparation and financial services until his retirement in 2022. He was an Enrolled Agent for the IRS and a securities agent for Abacus Securities and Avantax. He was a lifetime member of Washington State Tax Consultants (WSTC) where he was honored as Member of the Decade.

Jerry was a kind, loving, and thoughtful husband, father, and grandfather. He delighted in spoiling his grandchildren, often taking them for malts, a treat he himself loved. Integrity was a cornerstone of his character, and he was known for his honesty. A passionate sports fan, Jerry loved Nebraska football, the Mariners, the Seahawks, and the Sonics. He found joy in sharing games with his family and was thrilled to watch Nebraska win their bowl game on December 28th with his family rooting alongside him.

Jerry had a deep faith and loved God. He was a disciple of Jesus. At Christ the Servant Lutheran Church he served in any way he could, prioritizing Bible study classes, which he attended until the last two days of his life. He found great joy in discussing Jesus' life, especially "The Chosen" series. Jerry had no doubt that he would be with Jesus when he died. He wouldn't want us to be sad but to remember the fun times we had with him, eating, playing cards, walking, studying the Bible, and loving and caring for each other.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Barbara Kay; his children, Vianne Kay (Mark Reay), James Michael (Lori Koch), and John Anders (Meghan Hall); and his cherished grandchildren, Taylor Christine Koch, Morgan Michelle Koch, Andrew Mark Reay, and Michael John Reay.

All are welcome to join us as we celebrate his life at a memorial service on Saturday, February 15 at 1:00pm at Christ the Servant Church, 4300 Carpenter Road SE, Lacey, WA 98503.