George Peter Koch

About George

George Peter Koch, a seasoned farmer and pillar of community, peacefully passed away on March 11th at the age of 83. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, a loving family, and a deep love for the simple joys of life.

George was born to Peter and Amanda Koch on March 24th 1940 in Loretto, MN. He and his 5 siblings grew up on a family dairy farm where they raised cattle and produced corn and hay.

George graduated from St. Michael High School where he played for the local football team. George married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Schumacher in 1961.

With 2 kids under 2, the small family made the move to Puposky in 1965 where they started a dairy farm of their own. There, they raised their 7 children and immersed themselves in the Nebish community. The couple was named the 1977 Beltrami County Dairy Couple of the year. They enjoyed 30-plus years together until Sylvia passed away in March of 1995. George then married Darlyne Holmgren in the summer of 2002. They spent 20-plus wonderful years together at the lakehouse and the farm with their blended families that included many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

George was a prolific farmer and was known for his intelligence, work ethic, and camaraderie across the state. He served on many boards across Minnesota including: Land O’Lakes Board of Directors, Beef Council of Minnesota, Crookston Federal Land Bank Board of Directors, Farm Credit Service Grand Forks Board of Directors, MN Board of American Dairy Association Board of Directors. George was also a founder and president of the Clearwater-Beltrami Holstein Club. He was involved in the Bemidji FFA school program and served as a volunteer firefighter for Alaskan Township. He was awarded the 1982 Conservation Farm of the Year and was named the 1983 Beltrami County Outstanding Dairy Farmer of the Year.

George is survived by his wife Darlyne Koch of Bemidji, MN; 7 children- Pam Franz of Northfield, MN; Sue Grimm of Bemidji, MN; Annette Iburg of Bemidji, MN; Pat (Kim) Koch of Foley, MN; Mike (Sherry) Koch of Puposky, MN; Jeff (Rachel) Koch of Puposky, MN;

and Chad Koch of Mounds View, MN; 4 Stepchildren- Brad (Lucy) Holmgren of Bayard, NM; Lori Holmgren of Spring Lake Park ; Rob (Lori) Holmgren of Plymouth, MN; and Tricia Holmgren of Bemidji, MN; 17 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; Siblings-Dan (Gayle) Koch, Phyllis Altendorf, and Vanette Koch.

George was preceded in death by his wife Sylvia and sisters Eileen and Delores.

Join us as we remember a life rooted in hard work, generosity, and a genuine appreciation for the land. May the fields he tended continue to flourish, and may George's legacy endure in the hearts of those who knew him.

memorial service

Gathering to Celebrate George's Life

March 16, 2024

St. John's Catholic Church 27867 Irvine Ave NE, Puposky, MN 56667, USA

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home