Benajor Berton Koch

Ben Koch passed away on April 23, 2026 at the age of 94 surrounded by loved ones. He was born on February 11, 1932 in Ogden, Utah. Ben met his wife, Rose, at Twin Falls High School and the two were married on March 22, 1951, after which they relocated to Stockton, CA. Their daughter, Vicki, completed their family.

Ben began his career at Holt Brothers Caterpillar Tractor in Stockton and worked there for fifty years. He retired as the shop foreman for Engine Power Co, a subsidiary of Holt Brothers. Ben and Rose faithfully served 1st Church of the Nazarene, Calvary Baptist Church (The Bridge) and First Baptist Church, all of Stockton. Ben led many Bible studies, and over the years, he and Rose invested intentional time into the lives of young people. They were “adoptive parents” to so many.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Berton Koch and Lenora Vance; his wife, Rose; his daughter Vicki; and his siblings, Stella, Ray and Bill. He is survived by many nieces and nephews and their families. Ben is also survived by his family of believers.

Ben had an unwavering faith in God and served Him until the end. He believed that being absent from the body was being present with the Lord.

There will be a memorial service for Ben on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel at First Baptist Church, Lodi with a reception to follow. Ben’s family and friends are thankful for the care Ben received at The Commons on Thornton, the Brookdale Community and by Seva Hospice.