Myron ‘Bill’ Koch
Myron ‘Bill’ Koch, known as Doc, age 70, of Ursa, died on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at St. John Hospital in Springfield, IL. He was born on June 18, 1950 in Quincy, IL the son of Myron & Rita (Brink) Koch. He married Mary Kratochvil on June 15, 1974 in New Berlin, IL. She survives. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and active in Cursillo.
Bill attended Quincy University, ultimately graduating with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois. He had a mixed veterinary practice, serving both large and small animals for over 40 years. He was the original owner and operator of Western Illinois Veterinary Clinic. Bill was a lifetime member of the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), a member of the Beef Producers Association and was instrumental in creating the Western Illinois Cattle Alliance Group. He also received the Agriculture Business of the Year Award. Throughout his career he enjoyed mentoring students while taking them on calls with him in the country and in the clinic setting.
Bill was extremely involved in the Adams County Fair, serving as their volunteer veterinarian. He started and promoted the 4H Beef Auction. He often worked on old tractors and donated old tools and a display to the Olde Tyme Association now at the fairgrounds.
Education and young people were core values to Bill. He tutored young people in math and other subjects while helping build their self-esteem and independence. He gave many educational talks in schools around the area throughout his career and retirement, receiving the Impact Award from the Friends of Unit 4 Schools. He volunteered with 4H and provided the resources needed to show their livestock at the fair.
Bill was very involved in his local community. He served on the board for the Village of Ursa. He volunteered for the Ursa Park Festival and had been a member of the Ursa Lions Club. He was involved with the Boy Scouts providing his farm for camping and activities.
Bill had many varied interests. He was constantly on a quest for knowledge. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He learned how to make wine and frequently gifted his wine to others. He could build and engineer just about anything including a scale cannon that shot cannon balls, a four foot model plane that flew, model cars and pulling tractors that ran, and model wooden heavy machinery to scale. In his younger years, he was part of the ‘mountain men’ and went on rendezvous sleeping in teepees, wearing leather clothing that he made, built muzzle loading guns, and cooked their kills on the open fire. He was known for his ability to “witch” wells. In retirement, he enjoyed working on his farm and the farming for others. He enjoyed traveling, his children, and grandchildren. Bill was a very compassionate and giving man. He believed in doing for others. He was always willing to give of his time and innumerable talents.
He is survived by:
HIS SIX DAUGHTERS, the ‘Koch Girls’: Jennifer Hendricks (Dr. Tracy) of Springfield, IL;
Jamie Mixer (Scott ‘Joel’) of Liberty, IL; Julie Miller (Marcus) of Wellington, MO; Jean Kinder (Michael) of Payson, IL; Joan Goehl (Adam) of Quincy; and Jill Friye (Lucas) of Quincy.
EIGHTEEN GRANDCHILDREN: Andrew, Allison and Anna Hendricks; Grace, Ella Andi,
Joel ‘Bryce’ and Miles Mixer; Isabelle, Wyatt, Elizabeth, and Adalynn Miller; Katie, Karly, and Kolten Kinder; Landon and Evelyn Goehl and Weston Friye.
One SISTER: Pat Koch (Deanna Dixon).
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
Private family services will be held. A livestream of the service will be on the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Facebook page and YouTube on Saturday, January 16, 2021 starting at 1:00 PM. Interment will be held in Calvary Cemetery. A drive-thru celebration of Doc’s life will be held at the family home in Ursa on Sunday, January 17, 2021 beginning at 12:30 PM at the south entrance of the Ursa Park. Memorials may be made to John Wood Community College Foundation (scholarship to be determined), St. Dominic’s school, or to the Adams County Fair.
Hi there stranger. I was looking for a friend from Korea. And then I ran across Myron obit. You have my condolences . Mary, if you need anything let me know. A friend from the past. SFC Edward F. Johnson
Dear Mary: I was sorry to hear about Dr. Koch. I am praying for you and your girls. God bless all of you.
Mary and family. I went to High School with Myron (Bill) and he was a friend. I enjoyed working with him with my pet. Praying for all of you.
Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Always enjoined when Bill and you could attend the LHS class of 68 reunion.
DOC. KOCH , WE WILL MISS YOU. YOU ARE A ONE OF A KIND AMAZING , VERY SMART , VERY FRIENDLY , AWESOME & VERY HARDWORKING VETERINARY DOCTOR. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR TAKING CARE OF MY 3 AWESOME BABIES – GIO BRYAN , MIKKO MEOW & MINGMING. WE HAVE A VERY HIGH RESPECT TO YOU.
I’m so sorry for the loss of this great man. He was my vet for my horses and pets. I know that his family and community will miss him terribly.
My sympathy to you Jean and your family, so sorry to hear you lost your dad,my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill was our family vet for years. He always brought Tootsie pops for me and my siblings. He was always kind and had a warm smile. Bill was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
My uncle Bill was a very warm, caring soul. My aunt Mary and he took me in when I was struggling with anxiety at Quincy University.
I remember going out to his plot of land and knocking down trees and digging up dirt so he could build his fishing pond. Made this city boy feel like a rough and tumble country kid!!
This time with him meant so much to me and helped me grow into the man I am today. I am sure my story is not a unique one, and that he touched many, many more lives.
He will be missed by us here on earth, but his spirit is resting in eternal paradise.
Much Love,
Tommy
Bill was a man that everyone respected. My prayers go out to the family.
Our condolences to Mary and the “Koch Girls”. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
I will miss the fishing trips we planned to take together. I will miss working on farm projects together.
I will miss our discussions about politics and life. I will miss the exchange of stories of days gone by.
Most of all, I will miss my best friend Bill.
What am amazing life, full of many accomplishments and good deeds! My thoughts go out to you and your family, Jill.
We’re so sorry for your loss! Bill was a wonderful man and a great neighbor. He was very generous and wonderful with our granddaughters! He will be missed! You are all in our hearts and prayers!
Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. What a remarkable man he was. He will forever be a role model to many. So much love your way.
My best memory of Bill was when as a kid I leg tackled him. Of course, I got the wind knocked out of me and Pat and Jackie consoled me . I can’t imagine your family’s loss. Heartfelt condolences.
Jean… and family. Sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. We are faithful attendees of the Adams Cnty Fair and were very appreciative of his dedication to that organization. Dad’s are very precious and your Dad was one of the best. Our sympathy… may he Rest in the Peace of the Lord. Fellow St. Anthony Parishioners.
The entire Wietholder Family send our sincere sympathy to you Mary and Family. We have such good memories of Bill. He was a mass server at our wedding. I square danced with him in 4-H.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May he rest in peace in Heaven. Our love and hugs go out to you, May God be with you and comfort you now.
what a wonderful vet and Great man.
Jennifer & Family, we are so very sorry about your Dad. I know he had to be a wonderful person and Dad because we know Jennifer and he taught you to be a caring, loving person you are, as I’m sure he taught all of you girls. You have been in our thoughts and prayers.
I remember Bill as a best friend and vet classmate and surgery partner over 45 year ago and am crying for you..he will be missed always. My Bob and Bill will be together in heaven now sharing vet memories. Friends forevermore. ><>
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family. RIP, cousin.
We are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed talking to Bill. He had the ability to make everyone laugh. Bill always stood up for what was right. We appreciate all of his help that he gave us over the years. He’s probably telling jokes to everyone in heaven right now. Mary, prayers to you and your family.
Have looked up to Bill for about 50 years as an older brother, not just a brother-in-law. He loved to laugh, would talk to you and was knowledgable about any subject, and always lent a helping hand. Above all was a great husband to my sister and father to my nieces. Am so sad at the loss, but in a way it is selfish. He once talked to me about heaven, and am sure he is with his folks, my folks, and passed friends, as he hoped one day he would do, in total happiness.To my sister and nieces, love you all and God bless and keep.
Bill was such a great guy. He was always a pleasure to be around: always a smile, always looked on the bright side.
I will miss my cousin even though we didn’t get to spend much time together. He always bragged on the “Koch Girls” while I bragged on my “Koch Boys”
Love and prayers to the family.
Jennifer and family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time!
Mary Alsup
Doc will always have a special place in my heart. Mary I feel for your loss. I am sure all my prayers were not in vain. Godspeed Doc
Al
The Hesse Family wishes to send our condolences to you Mary and your family. Such good memories of Bill coming out the farm working cattle and checking 4H cattle for our kids.