Dale Marie Koch
GOWANDA — Dale Marie Koch passed away Sunday morning Dec. 12, 2021, in Florida surrounded by her husband and daughter . She was 72 .
A lifelong resident of Gowanda, Dale was born March 2,1949, at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, a daughter to David and Louise (Huch) Johnson.
Dale married the love of her life Charles F. Koch at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Gowanda, on Feb. 7, 1970.
Dale was a self-employed hairdresser for 15 years before she and her husband took over the family business, Johnson’s Plumbing and Heating (a business that after 75 years exists today providing professional service to Gowanda and surrounding areas) they decided it was time to retire after 35 years and let the next generation take over the business. Dale was a people person and not having that sort of contact (their customers, old and new) after retirement is one thing she missed.
Dale was always active, whether it was through faith, family, business or civicall. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church and had served on the Church’s Altar and Rosary Society, she was the recipient of the Women of The Year with the Business Professional Womens group, past president and board member of the Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce, where she also served on various committees, a member of the Slovenian Club and the Loyal Order of the Moose 1382 both in Gowanda and the Eagles Club in Homosassa. Along with being the love of Charlies life, Dale was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and made many friends through all her years with the business.
Charlie and Dale enjoyed camping at Pope Haven, she was a good cook , care-giver, played the piano beautifully and was an artist (she made beautiful wreaths). Dale and Charlie enjoyed wintering in Homosassa, Fla., is where they called home in the winter and where she passed away surrounded by her husband and daughter.
Surviving by her husband, Charlie of nearly 52 years is their daughter, Lara (Brian Taber); her AFS children (who she kept in contact with); Diego who traveled from Spain to be with the family at this time (Irene) Nieto, Jochen Enreich; loving grandmother to: Anthony (Mariah), Katelyn (Juan) Baez and Jack Zola, Morgan, Alexandria (Adam) Reid, Charles, Madeline (Mayson) Browning, Jonathan, Ava Carmella, Serenity Jackson and Gabby; great-grandchildren: Cassidy, Alie, Greg, Gianna, Grace, Olivia Keyon, Isiah, Emma, Javiel, Josiah, Olivia, Mateo and Simone. Dale is also survived by four loving sisters: Rita (Gene) Zybeck, Deby Johnson, Diane Christopher and Mary (Tim) King; along with nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Dale was preceded in death by her daughter, Kourtney (June 1, 2013); by her parents, David March 1, 1999) and Louise ( Huch) Johnson (May 8, 2011). There will be no prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday. Dec. 18, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church East Main St. Gowanda, at 11 am.( please assemble at church) face masks required. Dale will be buried by family privately at the Holy Cross Cemetery, Gowanda in the Johnson / Koch family plot
If desired, memorials to a local charity of ones choice
There will be a luncheon following Dale’s funeral at noon at the Slovenian Club 36 Palmer St.. Gowanda .
Arrangements are by the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME, 44 Center St., Gowanda.
