Robert Bob G. Koch

Robert G. "Bob" Koch, 79, Bismarck, passed away June 15, 2012, at St. Gabriel's Care Center, Bismarck. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, June 20, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 519 Raymond St, Bismarck, with Rev. John Guthrie and Rev. Shane Campbell officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm Tuesday, June 19, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a vigil will begin at 7:00 pm. Robert G. Bob Koch, was born on June 28, 1932, in Mandan, ND, the son of Joseph and Julia Hoffman Koch. He attended St. Joseph's Grade School and graduated from Mandan High School in 1950. Following his graduation, Bob worked with Bell Telephone for a short time, which led to him serving in the Korean War from 1951-1953 as a radioman. After Bob's discharge from the Army, he began working with Sweetheart Bakery as a saleman, and was the supervisor with Sweetheart for the N.D. and S.D. territory. Bob married Margaret Wald in Bismarck on September 4, 1954. In 1964 Bob and his partner Bob Hintz started Scotty's Drive- In and made a lifetime of friends and memories. They started the Downtowner Restaurant in 1972, and operated until 1978 when it was lost in a fire. During his ownership in the food business, Bob's employees were his extended family and he considered them dear friends. Bob always had a love of cars, and began in the car business with Corwin – Churchill Motors in sales until his retirement. Wanting to stay busy, Bob continued working and did specials with Cross Country Courier. Bob appreciated being with family and friends, and enjoyed many years at their cabin on Brush Lake. He was a patriot who loved his country, and signified his families arrival at the lake with raising the American flag. In his later years, Bob battled some health issues, but he continued to retain his great sense of humor and his terrific smile. Bob had so many one-liners. And when you would ask him how he was doing. His response was always, "Better now that you're here." So when the Lord welcomed Bob into heaven and asked him how he was doing, Bob could say, "Better now that I'm here." Bob will be deeply missed by his family and friends who loved him very much. He is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Marge; their seven children, Patrick Lynette Koch, Bismarck; Michael Deb Koch, Bismarck; Thomas Judy Koch, Eagan, MN; Geri Ann Steve Reinert, Lake of the Woods, MN; Joseph Donna Koch, Burke, VA; Kenneth Kelly Koch, Germany; and Mary Rich Aboody, Cambridge, MN. His grandchildren, Ryan Natalie, Kortney, Kinzie, Matthew Kristen, Christopher Tonya, Shane, Hope Chris , Heidi Andrew, Holly, Steve, Alex, Samantha, Mariah, Jessica, Jennifer Dan, John, Heather, Hanna, Annalise, and Joseph; his great-grandchildren, Kendall, Kaleb, Kayden, Hannah, Hunter, ElleAahna, Deakyn, Mason, Bennett, and Carter; and a brother Ronald. Bob was preceded in death by his sons, Robert Scott and John; a stillborn son and daughter; and his brother, Lyle. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the John Koch Memorial Fund established at Saint Marys Central High School.

Robert Bob G. Koch

June 28, 1932 - June 15, 2012