Walter G. Koch II

Walter G. Koch II, known as ‘Kaw Kaw’ to those who loved him, died unexpectedly after a brief battle with leukemia surrounded by his cherished family at the age of 75 on April 11, 2024. Walt was born on July 31, 1948 in Evansville, IN to the late Walter and Rose Martin Koch. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane (Brand) Koch; son, Matthew A. Koch (Rebekah), their children Elizabeth (17), William (14); Caroline (11), Alexander (8); daughter, Laura J. Chambers (Heath) and children Amelia (14), Olivia (14), and Lucas (11); and sister, Kathleen Rech (William). Growing up on 16 acres on Browning Road, Walt enjoyed an idyllic childhood in the countryside. He attended Harrison High School (Class of 1966) where he met his future wife, Jane, in German class. The love story continued on to the University of Evansville where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. Walt and Jane have been married nearly 55 years and built their family in Walt’s childhood home. They have been blessed with 3 children, Andy, Matt, and Laura. The trio experienced a fun-loving youth with Walt’s constant shenanigans keeping life lively. Walt’s life was filled with adventures, spending summers at Kentucky Lake, taking African safaris, and traveling with his hunting, fishing, and sport shooting buddies. As a lifetime member of the Izaak Walton League, he loved his regular visits to the club with his canine companions. With his gregarious personality, Walt found the perfect fit at Goodwill Industries, where he spent 49 years devoting his time, talents, and business acumen to help the community and disabled individuals while serving as President and CEO. Having a servant’s heart, Walt was always ready to help the community in any capacity, whether it was supporting a local fundraiser or serving on a board, such as United Way, Rotary Club, McCutchanville Cemetery, Izaak Walton League, or his church, Bethlehem United Church of Christ, among others. His generosity and leadership in the community was recognized by receiving the distinguished awards Sagamore of the Wabash and Kentucky Colonel. While Walt had many achievements in his lifetime, his greatest joy was his family. Whether it was sneaking the grandkids too much sugar, supersizing simple gifts, or just being over the top, you could always count on Kaw Kaw. Walter was preceded in death by his parents; son, Andrew Philip Koch; and brother, J. Stephen Koch. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, April 15, 2024 with visitation at 10:00 am at Bethlehem UCC, 6400 Oak Hill Rd. Evansville, IN, officiated by Rev. Emily Slade. Burial will follow at McCutchanville Cemetery. Friends and family may also visit from 2:00 pm-7:00 pm on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at Alexander North Chapel, 4200 Stringtown Rd. Evansville, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem United Church of Christ or the Izaak Walton League. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.