Orval Henry Koch, born February 25, 1927 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Gustave and Leona (Neuman) Koch went to be with his Savior on May 31, 2011.
He graduated from Minneapolis Jackson High School, and enlisted in the United States Army, and served his final tour of duty in the Philippines. Following his honorable discharge, he enrolled at the Brown School of Radio in Minneapolis. Upon graduation he moved to Shenandoah, Iowa, to begin his radio career as a disc jockey, newsman, and copywriter at KFNF.
In 1952, he joined the staff of KLMS, in Lincoln, as disc jockey, program director and host of the popular daily noon-hour program “Western Serenade”. In 1956, he joined KFOR as a disc jockey and copywriter, and later became part of the management team of Stuart Broadcasting Company which owned several radio stations throughout the midwest. He concluded his career as a sales representative for KFOR; retiring in 1996. His love of the radio industry, and his devotion to it never wavered throughout his five decades of dedication and service.
Music, and literature, as well as love of family, and service to his God filled his retirement years with much happiness.
Left to mourn his passing are his Wife, Sandra; sons and daughters-in-law Randal and Nancy Koch of Omaha; Scott and Elaine Koch of Lincoln. Grandchildren Lauren of Omaha and Brandon of Lincoln. Step children Randy McConnell of Lincoln, Denise Buhdorf of Omaha, Pat Roberts of Lincoln, Grandchild: Cassie Roberts of Lincoln. Niece Judy Reinke and Nephews James and Steven Holmberg of Minneapolis. His parents, sister and brother-in-law, Lenora and Howard Holmberg preceded him in death.
Memorial services will be held at Wyuka Funeral Home Chapel at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, June 3, 2011. Private military graveside services will be held at Wyuka Cemetery.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be given to the donor’s choice.
Sandra – Dick Chapin was kind enough to send me the information on Orv. I too enjoyed working with Orv as I worked with Stuart in the outdoor advertising division. Orv had a great sense of humor, was a hard worker and always fun to be with. While I know that you and the family will miss Orv, knowing he is home with the Lord is a comfort for us all.
Blessings,
Al & Fran Johnson
Denver, CO
Orv Koch was a wonderful person and a real gentleman. His word could be trusted completely. He was extremely loyal to his company and his friends, and I was proud to be one of them. Roger Larson
Orv was a trusted friend and business associate through the ten years and four cities I was with Stuart Broadcasting. He was always ready to help and a good (albeit brief!) communicator. A dedicated and trustworthy fellow worker.
In the midst of a world that is too big and too fast, a world where information rules like a dictator and news travels like a virus, it is easy to be overcome by the hopelessness of the world and the helplessness of we, its keepers. What impact can we hope to have? What traces will we leave behind? What do we affect during our time on earth? Our legacy is our friends. They walk with us throughout our days, the fragments of our hearts and minds. Friends get our questions and our reasoned opinions. They get our best and are stuck with the worst we have to offer. History is not the story of grand acts and masterpeices. It is the accumulations of tiny events. History itself is made day after day by all those handed a place on earth and quietly made a life out of it. Emerson wrote “Make yourself necessary to someone.” In a chaotic world, friendship is the most elegant, the most lasting way to be useful. We are, each of us, a testament to our friends’ compassion and tolerance, humor and wisdom, patience and grit. Friendship, not technology, is the only thing capable of showing us the breadth of the world we live in. Orv Koch was a special friend to all who knew him. He made himself most necessary to me.
As a neighbor and a friend with Scott and Randy, I remember Orval (Mr. Koch back then) as a father, who came across somewhat stern, but obviously loved and cared for his sons. He tolerated a lot of pranks from the three of us, but was always was forgiving in the end. I know he loved his wife, his sons and got great enjoyment from his family.
I love you grandpa. I will miss you very much but I know your in a better place now.
Love,
Cassie
I worked at KFOR in the late 1970s while in and after college. I remember getting notes from Mr. Koch coaching and encouraging me. I don’t know if I ever saw him in person! I was a a weekend and part time announcer–later full time in news. I knew son Randy at UN-L. I’m still in the business nearly 30 years later. I credit my success to people like Mr. Koch for whom I worked in those early days of career. I’m sorry for your loss, and sorry this is so late, I just came across this online. Thanks.
Orv went to bat for me in a Stuart Stations managers meeting screening new announcer talent for employment in 1964. The audition tape I sent him in Lincoln admitedly was pretty mediocre as I was just starting out.He persuaded Dick Wagner, then manager of KSAL, Salina,Kansas to take a chance on me (as seemingly none of the other managers were that interested.) Ended up spending 40 years in the business! God bless you, “Cookie!”
Dick Floyd
Oklahoma City
It was my great honor to work for Orv and Dick for many years, both in Lincoln and Salina. Orv was one of the most kindest and honest man I ever knew. He is missed by so many people who loved him. RIP my friend.