Dennis Allen Koch

Dennis Allen Koch, 70-year-old Worland resident passed away suddenly at his home on June 27, 2019.

Dennis was born on July 5, 1948 in Huron, South Dakota, the second son born to Allen Henry and Dorothy Irene (Mullholan) Koch. He spent his early years in Huron before the family moved to Rapid City where he graduated in 1966. He attended Black Hills State University and received his Bachelor's in Teaching.

He married Dolores M. Hoppe on November 26, 1971. To this union 3 children were born, Dawn, Rob and Jay. The couple lived in Florida for a short time starting their family. His first teaching opportunity in Wyoming was in Shoshoni. After a short time, Dennis chose to move his family to Worland, where he went to work for Northern Wyoming Daily News. Newspaper circulation had been an interest of his from the time of his youth when he delivered the Rapid City Journal. He went into a management position in that field with the Daily News. The teacher in him loved to train young people to start their own business by delivering papers. Many boys and girls knew Dennis as their first "boss". He gave 34 years to that job, seldom taking any time off. If someone forgot a paper on their route, Dennis would jump in his car and personally deliver that paper.

He was also very involved in teaching the Hunter Safety Education Classes. Many of the boys and girls, who delivered papers, remember taking Hunter Safety from him as well. He was one of the first people to go through the Washakie Leadership Institute Class in 2003, and was honored to do so.

Just before and after his retirement, he wanted to do something that could help his community, so he ran for City Council and was still serving there at the time of his death.

Dennis was very history oriented and loved a good debate. He was dedicated to his work and those he served and yet his family was very important to him. He loved to support his children and grandchildren in school and community activities. He taught them the value of family and the value of hard work by his example. He had great faith in his Savior and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.

His favorite pastime was hunting for deer and antelope. Every year his few days off were spent with his children or friends in search of the one to feed them through the winter months. He taught his children the full gamut of hunting, the safety, field dressing and processing the game. He took care of his family and loved his wife dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Dolores, children, Dawn (Ken) Rishel, Rob (Stephanie) Koch, and Jay Koch (Margarita Bower) all of Worland, grandchildren, Dakota (Alex) Morgan, Charles and Colt Rishel; Daimon Taylor, Donavin Koch and Kadin Koch; Nicholas and Joshua Bower; brother, Earl (Patricia) Koch of Ft Dodge, Iowa.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 8, 2019 at Grace Lutheran Church in Worland with Pastor Tim Trippel officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to http://www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.