Bruce Koch, age 80, was born on Dec. 31, 1944, in Arlington, SD, the son of Clair and Verna (Dahl) Koch.
Bruce passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 in Brookings, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church on Friday, Oct, 17, in Estelline. A Visitation will be held the night prior from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, at St Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Estelline. Geise Funeral Chapels is assisting the family with arrangements.
Bruce attended country school through the eighth grade, and was a graduate of the Lake Preston High School in 1962. He was united in marriage to Patricia Hanify on December 28, 1965. Bruce continued his education at Black Hills State University and received his B.S. degree in mathematics in 1967, and received his Master’s degree in Education from SDSU in 1973. He was employed as a math teacher and a coach in Iroquois, and Lake Norden, SD. From 1971 until 1977, he was the Principal at the Estelline High School in Estelline, SD. From 1977 until 2002, Bruce owned and operated Koch Insurance Agency. In 2002, he retired, spending his time between Florida and is cabin in Lake Poinsett.
He was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Estelline, and St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Leesburg, Fl. Bruce was a member of the Elks Club in Brookings, SD, the Jaycees in Estelline, SD, the Eagles Club in Okahumpka, FL, Moose Club in Minneala, FL. Bruce enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating in South Dakota, pickleball, and softball in Florida.
Bruce is survived by his wife Patricia; children Tracy Koch of Brookings, SD, Brian (Peggy) Koch of Owatonna, MN, Spencer (Lori) Koch of Mankato, MN, Stuart (Yazmin) Koch of Eagan, MN; seven grandchildren; and four great- grandchildren.
