Ernest M. "Buddy" Koch passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 22, 2020, at the age of 91. He was born on December 11, 1928, to Ernest George and Carrie Berthel Koch. He was a native of New Orleans, a past resident of St. Bernard Parish for 51 years, and currently resided in Covington, Louisiana. He was the beloved husband of Yvonne Brandt Koch, who he lovingly referred to as his "Beaut" for 69 years. He served in the United States Navy Reserves. Buddy was a devoted employee who worked for Hayes Dockside, Inc. for 39 years. His warm smile and contagious laugh earned him the nickname "Buddy" because he made friends wherever he went. Always the life of the party, he loved laughing and a good joke (sometimes a bit off-color). He was an avid gardener who loved sharing his Creole tomatoes and other vegetables with his family and friends. A larger-than-life character, he was devoted to his family, whom he was so proud of. After retirement, he became the chauffeur for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, picking them up from school and activities. He loved family gatherings and crawfish boils, teaching his sons the fine art of purging and seasoning crawfish. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Chris R Koch. Buddy is survived by his wife, Yvonne, and his children, Kathleen (Joe) Guillotte, Carolyn (the late Michael) Silcio, Geraldine "Deanie" (Jimmy) Shephard, and Ricky (Susan Dendinger) Koch. He was the proud grandfather of Timothy (Shannon) and David Guillotte, Yvonne (Quincy) Cook and Eric (Samantha) Silcio, Tina (Duke) Mauterer and Ryan (Joy) Shephard, Kelly (Donald) Talazac and Zachary Koch, and Michael and Patrick Koch. He had 16 great-grandchildren. Due to the current state of affairs, the family, out of an abundance of caution, has requested a private funeral service at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will be at St. Roch Cemetery #2.
To our extended family and friends who were an integral part of his life and very important to us, we request that you consider sharing your fondest memories of Buddy with us at www.stbernardmemorial.com.
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