Nevin "Ken" Kenneth Koch

Nevin Kenneth “Ken” Koch, age 88, passed away Monday, August 14, 2023, at UF Health of Jacksonville with family by his side. Born on July 22, 1935, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Ken grew up exploring the woods, playing baseball and flag football in Mountainville Park, delivering the Allentown Morning Call, and lifeguarding at the local mine hole in Walmheim Park. He graduated from Allentown High School with the Class of 1953. He then joined the United States Navy and completed his basic training in Bainbridge, MD before transferring to Naval Air Station Jacksonville. At the Naval Air Technical Training Center, Ken coordinated the operation of flight simulators for pilots.

In 1965, Ken embarked on an impressive forty-one-year career with Kraft Heinz Maxwell House Coffee, Jacksonville Division. In the MGR Department, Ken was responsible to custom blend bean varieties, roasting material to varying depths, and grinding product to precise consistencies. His knowledge and expertise earned him recognition from the First Coast Manufacturers Association. He was also a recipient of the distinctive General Foods President’s Club Award, presented at the World Trade Center in New York City. Another memorable event was his selection to travel abroad as the company’s delegate to evaluate the ability and quality of new roasters manufactured in Bergen, Germany. It was an opportunity he most remembered exploring his German ancestry, to return home to share stories of the countryside, eating foods from his childhood, and being in a place where, as he said, “Everyone knew how to correctly pronounce my last name!”

Through life’s journey, Ken found the Fellowship. Continuously working on the steps and principles of the program, he was led to a new way of life. On a Saturday night at the San Marco Club, Ken met his loving wife, Elaine, and living with the promise of today, felt he was given the gift of another chance.

That sentiment held true to the very end. Forty-four years of sobriety lead to many gifts bestowed by God for which Ken remained humble and grateful. One gift stands out, that God, in his infinite wisdom, gave him a second chance at being a father to two young boys that needed stability and soft guidance. Ken never squandered any gifts, and watched them grow to a place where they considered him their father. By loving unconditionally, the following generation also got to know his kind and gentle spirit. A spirit that never criticized or judged but accepted you for just the way you are.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Alfred & Margaret Deborah (Beckey) Koch, and sister Lorraine D. (Koch) Garr. He is survived by his wife of thirty-seven years, Elaine K. Koch; brother, Arthur A. Koch (Gloria) of Bath, PA; son, Nevin “Kenny” Koch Jr. of Jacksonville; daughters, Anita Lorraine “Lori” Lee (Buddy) of Callahan, and Iris Elaine Salisbury (David) of Jacksonville; Stepsons, Michael A. Bryan of Jacksonville, and Dylan L. Bryan (Emily) of Middleburg, thirteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and a niece and nephew.

In remembrance, the family asks that you make someone’s life brighter by sharing a smile or offering a kind word. Ken will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service for Nevin will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Koch family.