Norbert T. Koch, Jr.

Age 93 He is survived by 8 children; Connie Koch Wilson, Fran Sauer (Jim), Richard Koch (Sue), Theresa Gates (Byron), Patti Barcelo (Rudy), Paul Koch (Patti), Bob Koch (Chris), Carol Hunter (Chris Cecka); 21 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years, Lenore (Leroux); parents, Norbert and Mabel Koch; sister, Mary Lou Schugg; brother, William Koch; infant daughter, Marie; and infant great granddaughter, Evelyn Oien.  Norb was born in Minneapolis MN on October 24, 1925. He attended Ascension Catholic School and De LaSalle High School. In 1943 he joined the Army Air Corps at age 17 and flew 29 missions in a B-24 during WWII. After the war he attended the University of Minnesota and played baseball, pitching for Dick Seibert and the Gophers. He also played amateur baseball and won the 1952 MN State Tournament while playing for the Soderville Outlaws.  Norb met his wife at the Bass Lake Pavilion in Plymouth MN and they were married in 1948. Norb and Lenore went on to raise 8 children, living first in Golden Valley then North Oaks and eventually ended up spending summers in Blaine MN and winters in Scottsdale AZ. While in AZ, they were able to spend time with two of their children and families who live there. Norb had a successful career in the insurance industry for 33 years and he semi-retired in 1983.  He was an accomplished bowler and golfer, playing golf well into his 80’s and his golf legacy is being carried on by his children and grandchildren.  A special thanks to the staff at Cherrywood Point Memory Care and to the Fairview Hospice Nurses and Care Team for their care and compassion.  Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Thursday, November 29 at ST. JOSEPH OF THE LAKES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes. Visitation at MUELLER-BIES FUNERAL HOME-LINO LAKES, 7050 Lake Dr. (Cty Hwy 23) from 4-7 PM Wednesday and at the church from 9:30-10:30 AM Thursday. Interment St. Joseph’s Church Cemetery.