Robert Koch, 94, Owatonna

Robert “Bob” Deloss Koch passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Ecumen Brooks in Owatonna, at the age of 94, just three months shy of his 95th birthday.

Robert (Bobby) was the only child born to (Harold) Deloss and Hazelle (Krause) Koch on Aug. 26, 1931, at Owatonna hospital. The family resided in Deerfield Township, Medford. Robert graduated from Medford High School in 1949 where he played basketball, was the quarterback on the football team, and sang in the choir.

Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951 and served until receiving honorable discharge in 1954. Bob’s first marriage was to Phyllis Utecht. Together they had three children: Karen, Darrell, and Sue. The couple later divorced, and Bob married Deanna Ohnstad on Jan. 25, 1957, in Las Vegas. Bob and Dee moved west, settling in Downey, Calif., where they raised their two daughters Renee and Rhonda.

Bob was employed as a tanker/receiver for Jerseymaid Milk for 37 years, retiring in 1994.

Robert was an avid sports fan who loved watching his Green Bay Packers and the Atlanta Braves with his only grandson Nick. Bob and Dee loved hosting parties, family and friends, traveling throughout the U.S. camping, fishing, polka music, cruises, and fast cars. He was a lover of animals, especially to his pet cats Missy and Sally.

In addition to being a beloved husband of 66 years and Dad, he was a Grampoo to five grandchildren (Nick Marold, Courtney (Riley) Wills, Kristen (Michael) Pena, Brianna Koch, and Kaley (Paul) Murchie, three great-grandchildren (Walker and Claire Wills, and Niko Pena). He is survived by his four children, Darrell (Mary Lou) Koch, Sue Koch, Renee Hanks, and Rhonda Koch.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Deanna, daughter Karen Herron, sons-in-law Erwin Marold, and Dick Hanks, and grandson Nicholas Deloss Marold.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Medford Funeral Home, 310 East Central Ave., on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. Friends may greet the family from 9-11 a.m. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery. The memorial will continue after the burial at the Medford Muni (Corporate Meeting) with food and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ecumen Brooks Gazebo Project at 2480 St. Paul Road, Owatonna, MN 55060.

For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.