Gerald “Jerry” C. Koch

Gerald “Jerry” C. Koch

May 16, 2024

Gerald “Jerry” C. Koch, 88, of Pine Grove, passed away on Thursday, May16, 2024 in Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

Born on December 25, 1935 in Schuylkill Haven, he was the son of the late Leroy and Erma Krammes Koch.

He attended Rock Grammer School, Stanhope Country School and the Swamp School. He then enlisted and was a private in the U.S. Army, serving from May 17, 1954 to May 16, 1957. During his service, he successfully completed the Railway Locomotive operator course given at Ft. Eustis, VA on Oct. 20, 1954, where special emphasis was given on the safe handling of trains and the materials they transport. He had special training as a crane shovel operator at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO from March 12, 1956 to May 11, 1956 and served as Heavy Equipment Operator at Goosebay, Labrador, Greenland and Newfoundland. He had one year and thirteen months of foreign service and received the National Defense Service Medal.

Jerry worked for R. R. Reed Plumbing and Heating in Pine Grove and retired after 28 years as a Fabricator and Supervisor at Penn Dye, Pine Grove.

He was a member of Manbeck's Church, Schuylkill Haven.

Jerry loved fishing, and for many years, would even travel yearly to Canada for it. He was a talented builder and welder, and could build anything, from an arch bridge to dune buggies. His hobbies included custom upholstery, riding motorcycles, and making unique vehicles. One year, he created a car, that he named “Bozo”, which did wheelies, winning a prize in the Pine Grove Halloween Parade. He would spend countless hours working in his garage on projects. He loved flying and had multiple ultralight planes. He had quite a sense of humor and loved playing pranks on family and friends.

Preceding him in death was a sister Vera Clauser.

Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Shirley Koch, who he met while stationed in VA; a daughter Tamela "Tammy" and husband Larry Manhart of Idaho; two grandchildren, Keisha and Kwentin, both of Idaho; a sister, Betty Rumpf of Pine Grove; a brother, Donald and wife Kay Koch of Schuylkill Haven; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove with Pastor Norman Dixon officiating. There will be a viewing on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Manbeck's Cemetery, Schuylkill Haven.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to Manbeck's Church, c/o Deborah Reiter, 159 Spittler Rd., Pine Grove, Pa. 17963 in his memory.

You may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com

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