Roger Koch 1955-2020

On Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, Roger Edward Koch, loving husband and father of two children, age 65, passed away at his home in Las Vegas, Nev.

Roger was born on May 6, 1955 in Winfield to Lavene (Beanie) and Cyril Koch. He is survived by his wife, Terri Ehrhart Koch; son Chris Koch; daughter Kelli Gonzalez and husband Leo; and grandson Leonel Gonzalez, just four weeks old. Roger was preceded in death by his sister Cyrilla Haverkamp, brother Jeff Koch and brother Steve Koch.

After attending Saints Peter and Paul High School, Roger attended Cloud County Community College on a golf scholarship, later graduating from Emporia State University with a degree in business administration. Following 31 years with Westar Energy in Topeka, Roger retired at the age of 55 to focus on enjoying the things he loved throughout his life; being outdoors, hunting, fishing and playing golf.

While residing in Lawrence, he battled Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), and in November 2011, Roger received a kidney transplant from his younger brother, Jeff Koch. Roger was always so incredibly grateful for this kidney and fought every day to keep it healthy. Thereafter he fought heart complications.

Roger was a kind soul, a gentle, humble, loving father, devoted husband, hard working and always put others’ needs before his own. After moving to Las Vegas with his wife in 2012, he discovered a new passion of volunteering for his local church and found a renewed faith in God. Roger was honored to be one of the leaders of the Men’s Ministy Group at his church, where he gained brothers for life. Roger left us too soon and he will be dearly missed by many!

A Celebration of Roger’s Life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12 at River City Church, 3001 Lawrence Ave, Lawrence KS 66047.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Roger, please consider donations to the PKD Foundation to help fight for a cure. https://support.pkdcure.org/RogerKoch

(PAID OBITUARY)