Russell Lee Koch

Russell was born at Hillside, Colorado, on July 10, 1934, to Helmuth and Esther Koch. He was raised in the Wet Mountain Valley and graduated from Custer County High School in 1953. From 1956 to 1958, he proudly served his country in the United States Army.

He dedicated over 40 years of service to CF&I before retiring. In retirement, Russell found great joy in music and dancing—especially polka—and spent 25 years traveling to polka dances, forming lasting friendships along the way.

Russell is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; sons Russell Pete (Priscilla) Koch and Randy (Sallie) Koch; daughter Gail Ann (Don) Jerow; daughter-in-law Debbie Koch; sister-in-law Jeanine Koch; stepsons Mark (Arleen) King, Kurt King, and Lynn (Stacee) King; five grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helmuth and Esther Koch; his son, Dwayne Koch; three sisters; four brothers; and his late spouses, Nellie Mae and Darla.

A graveside service will be held on July 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Imperial Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Pueblo, Colorado.

Russell will be truly missed by many who knew and loved him.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the De Cristo Community Care and the dementia care team, and a very special thank you to neighbors Linda and Gail for their many years of dedicated care and support.