Karl Koch

Funeral Services for Karl W. Koch, 71, Shawnee, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary-Eudora Chapel.  Military Graveside service will follow in Eudora Cemetery, Eudora.  He died December 16, 2011, at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.

Karl was born September 3, 1940, in Lawrence, KS, the son of Gus and Jane J. (Jackson) Koch.

He received his BA in Journalism from the University of Kansas, a full scholarship recipient as a member of the Naval ROTC program. Karl then served as an officer in the United States Navy for eight years. He later spent over 30 years as an executive in the insurance industry, including serving as the Executive Vice President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and President of Meadowbrook Insurance. He was also a member of the American Legion.

A cherished brother, father and husband, Karl will be remembered by family and friends for his wit, work ethic, sense of humor, love for animals, and kind spirit.

Karl married Patricia A. “Patty” Wahl on July 26, 1980, at the St. Paul United Church of Christ , Eudora, KS.  She survives of the home.

Other survivors include three sons: Mark Koch, Mesa, AZ; Kristopher Koch, Greenbrae, CA; Kyle Koch, Los Angeles, CA; one daughter, Amy MacNabb, Carlsbad, CA; one sister, Cherry McCabria, Eudora, KS; and five grandchildren, Austin, Mason, Max, Patrick, and Katelyn.

The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, at the Warren-McElwain Mortuary-Eudora Chapel.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in his name to Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

17 Condolences

  1. Dianna and Harvey Kinnard on December 17, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    Our heartfelt sympathy to Patty and the Koch family. Karl was a special man who will be greatly missed. He was so gracious and kind.



  2. Carol Segal Ziecik on December 17, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    Dear Mrs. Koch and family,
    I had the great honor and pleasure to work with Karl at Meadowbrook. He was truly a wonderful man and I’m sure a great husband and father. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
    Warmly,
    Carol



  3. Mary (Comstock/Koch) Van Hooser on December 18, 2011 at 9:39 am

    Patty and all – I don’t need to tell you how we share all the grief and loss. Our Uncle Karl was legendary for his love of family and remaining close. We have lost a great man in this world that exemplifies what everyone should strive to be. Fortunately he left behind wonderful children who carry on these characteristics.



  4. Linda Kielmann on December 18, 2011 at 10:05 am

    Karl, You will be missed by all people who had the pleasure of working with you at Meadowbrook. My sincere sympathy to your family.



  5. Cindy Winternitz on December 19, 2011 at 7:58 am

    Mrs Koch and family,
    I only knew Mr. Koch briefly through my neighbor, Mrs. Andy Shreve. Mr. Koch had served in the military with Andy Shreve. Mr. Koch liked to stay current with Andy’s widow, Winnie. I could count on periodic calls or emails from Karl for an update on Winnie. HIs loyalty to Andy as a man he greatly respected and had admired touched me.
    I will keep you all in my prayers this week.

    Sincerely

    Cindy Winternitz
    Winter Park, Florida



  6. Archie McIntyre on December 19, 2011 at 8:32 am

    My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Karl was part of the MIG family and helped shape the culture we have today. Karl was a great mentor and colleague to me. I loved his humor and he seemed to know exactly when you needed it most. A wonderfully successful man and a true friend. Thank you!



  7. Lucretia Dewey on December 19, 2011 at 10:32 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I’m so glad that I had the pleasure of working with Karl at FTJ. He was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.



  8. karl Koch on December 19, 2011 at 10:43 am

    Dear Patty, Cherry and family,

    It has been said that the best after life is your friends and family’s’ lasting memory of you. Karl and I literally grew up together, and ironically both had deep involvement in the insurance industry at the highest levels. Karl was a leader, and a firm, objective voice of logic, always focused on the end objective. And his humanity and ethics, I firmly believe, came from his roots in a small town, Germanic, Christian, community. The role of his older sister Cherry and her husband Bob, leading us all through our teenage years, was pivotal.
    Prayers and fond memories are extended to all his family.

    Arthur Neis



  9. Ladonna Filler on December 19, 2011 at 12:12 pm

    I worked with Karl at Forrest T Jones. He is one the nicest people I have ever met. I so sorry for your loss.



  10. Shannon Rucker on December 19, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    I’ve had the pleasure of working with Karl over the last few years and he always had a smile on his face. Karl will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.



  11. John Kubs on December 19, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    I worked with Karl when I was with Meadowbrook Insurance in the Southfield, MI office.
    I always enjoyed working with and learning from Karl. He was always willing to share his knowledge.
    He will be sorely missed.
    John Kubs



  12. Angie Stuckey on December 19, 2011 at 3:20 pm

    Mr. Karl was one of the greatest men I’ve every known. I joined Forrest T. Jones in 2006. Within a few months Mr. Karl was assigned Director of Property & Casualty. Never in a million years, could I imagine having a Boss like him. I could NEVER say THANK-YOU enough to someone, who has always been there for me. Someone who didn’t know me super well at the time, but who cared enough to learn things about me and help me through some rough patches. I appreciated all the time he spent teaching me things that were way beyond the scope of my position. He was truly passionate about his work. He was such a blessing to me and I am grateful to have known him. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, he is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
    I am deeply saddened by your loss. My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family! ~Angela



  13. deborah and augusta in Alabama on December 20, 2011 at 8:28 am

    Karl was special to all of us.
    Thinking of Patti and family.



  14. Dave Whittington on December 20, 2011 at 11:47 am

    Karl and I worked together for many years in San Diego and Overland Park.
    He was a great boss and a greater friend. He will be missed.



  15. The Traylor Family on December 20, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    Karl was a wonderful person and we know he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We can’t imagine what a difficult time this is. Please accept our deepest sympathy,
    The Traylor Family



  16. Twyla Rist on December 21, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    Patty, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Only having met Karl on a couple of occasions I could tell he was truly a gentleman and so kind. You are in my thoughts and prayers.



  17. Emelia Yanez, CNA Shawnee Msn Hosp on December 21, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    Patty and Kyle, My condolenses are with you both during this time of sadness. My heart has been filled with sorrow. I will continue to pray for God’s gentle hands to hold you during this time. Emelia Certified Nurse Aide, Shawnee Mission Hospital.



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