Albrecht Koch
February 20, 1913-December 21, 2004
Albrecht Henry "Pete" Koch was born February 20, 1913 on a farm in Grant Township, Ida County, son of Paul and Marie Riessen Koch. He was baptized April 6, 1913 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grant Township and later confirmed there on April 10, 1927. He received his education at Trinity Lutheran School. He farmed with his brothers until he entered the Army in February, 1942. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington for one year and then served overseas in Germany during World War II in the 99th Field Artillery. He was discharged in 1946.
He married Helen Pithan Hansen on February 14, 1948 at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. They farmed northwest of Ricketts in Soldier Township until he retired in 1975. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Soldier Township, where he served on church council and was a member of the Lutheran Laymen's League. He was a head usher for many years and also served on the cemetery board. He was a member of the American Legion, the Senior Citizens Jolly Club of Ricketts and the Ricketts Community Club.
When Helen passed away December 24, 1992 Pete moved to the Schleswig Retirement Apartments and later to the Eventide Senior Apartments. When his health failed he moved to Willow Dale Wellness Village in Battle Creek where he passed away December 21, 2004.
Survivors include a son Roger and wife, Patty of Omaha, Nebraska; daughter Paula Hansen and husband Tim of Milford, Kansas; daughter Gaylene Lee and husband Carl of Battle Creek; and daughter-in-law, Shae Hansen of Schleswig. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Traci Lee of Jefferson, Iowa, Collin Lee of Battle Creek, Sara Hansen of Houston, Texas, Samantha Hansen of Littleton, Colorado and Scott Hansen of Sioux City. Also four great-grandchildren, Caleb, Madison, and Caden Hansen and Mikayla Brach. He is also survived by one brother, Don and wife Donna of Schleswig. Also many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by wife Helen; six brothers, Rudy and in infancy Robert, Roland, Lester and twins Marvin and Harvey; eight sisters, Viola in infancy, Helen Sonksen, Doretta Fonken, Luella Robinson, Marge Germeroth, Selma Fredericks, Hedwig Abbe, Malinda Koch; step-son Richard Hansen; grandson Andrew Hansen; brothers-in-law, John Fonken, Marvin Germeroth, Harry Fredericks, Albert Abbe, Jack Sonksen, Bud Robinson and wife Bernice; and sister-in-law, Henrietta Koch.
Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 24, 2004 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Soldier Township, Charter Oak, Iowa. Rev. Eugene Ernst officiated the services and grave side rites held at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Soldier Township. Organist Brenda Christiansen provided accompaniment for the congregational hymns "How Great Thou Art" and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus". Those serving as honorary pallbearers were Samantha Brach, Sara Hansen, Fred Rogo, Collin Lee, Scott Hansen, Abby Hansen, Glen Brach, and Traci Lee. Those serving as pallbearers were the V.F.W. Post 3930 and American Legion Post 645. The family invited everyone in attendance to join them in fellowship and lunch served by the Ladies Aid.