Robert J. Koch

Danville - Robert (Bob) J. Koch, 94, of Danville passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2021 surrounded by his family.

Robert was born on September 19, 1926 in Danville, IL, the son of Clarence and Wilma (Makemson) Koch. He married Mary Lou Gordon on May 8, 1947 in Danville, IL and they celebrated nearly 70 years together. She preceded him in death March 28, 2017.

Surviving Robert are his daughters, Jeanne (Tom) Fowler of Tipton, IN, Terri (Gibson) Murray of Groveland, FL, and his sons, Robert Jr. and Mark (Kathy Stitt) Koch of Danville, IL; sister, Iantha Hults of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren Tricia (Scott) Walosin, John Fowler, Kristin (Brad) Moon, Lauryn Murray, Kerri and Kayli Koch; and great-grandchildren Mason and Grant Walosin and Logan, Connor and Olivia Moon and Joanna Fowler.

Robert attended Oaklawn Grade School and Danville High School. He served in the US Navy on the USS Almaack during WWII from October 1944 to May 1946 and is a current member of the American Legion Post 210.

After serving his Country, Robert joined the Danville Fire Department and rose to the rank of Assistant Fire Chief. He retired at age 67 in 1992 after 41 years of service and remained a member of the DFD Retirees Club.

Robert was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served in various capacities within the church and on the Trinity Lutheran School Board.

Robert enjoyed spending time with his family and participating in outdoor activities. He was a loving caregiver for both his mother and his wife prior to their deaths.

A Private Family Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 18, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church 824 E Main Street in Danville, IL. Pastor Kent Tibben will officiate. A Public Graveside Committal Service will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 18, 2021 at Lutheran Cemetery in Danville, IL with Military Rites being accorded by American Legion Post 210. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 17, 2021 from 2:00 4:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St., Danville, Illinois 61834.

It is kindly requested that those in attendance of visitation or service wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Memorials in Roberts name may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, 824 E. Main Street, Danville, IL 61832 or the Vermilion County War Museum, 307 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61832.

Please join Roberts family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .