Memorial

John (Jack) Stuart Koch passed away on Sunday August 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 87 ½ 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 February 27, 1926, the son of Walton Silas Koch and Ora Marie Kennedy Koch, LeMars, Iowa. His father, a teacher and athletic coach moved the family to Waverly and Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Jack graduated from Mt. Vernon High School, served as Navy Radioman from 1944-1946 in the Pacific Theater, graduated from Cornell College 1950, University of Iowa College of Medicine 1954, served internship at Fresno, California 1954-1955, served General Surgery residency with Surgical Associates, Mason City, Iowa, 1955-1956 and Orthopedic Surgical Residency 1956-1959 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, NJ, daughter Cynthia Koch and husband Tom of Stony Brook, NY, daughter Kathryn Bailey and husband Eric of Boise, ID and Daughter, Grethen Walker and husband Michael of Missoula, MT 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, Colorado. Brothers, James and Dennis Koch preceded John in death. Dr. Koch served as President Iowa Orthopedic Society, Mid Central States Orthopedic Society, Mercy Hospital Medical Staff, initiated Orthopedic 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 Orthopedic 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. In Lieu of flowers, the family encourages people to perform kind deeds to others and donate to a charity of your choice.