Frank Joseph Koch lost his battle with cancer on August 1, 2010, while residing at Rocky Mountain Nursing Home in Helena, Montana.
Frank was born on December 24, 1937 in Jersey City, New Jersey to Frank and Evelyn Koch. Frank spent his youth in New Jersey and graduated from high school there. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1955, where he honorably served his country as an Antisubmarine Warfare technician. While stationed at Jacksonville Naval Airbase, he met and married his former spouse Billie Jo, and raised their sons Frank Koch III, Douglas Koch, Randall and Rick Sink. During this time, his boys spoke of learning a great deal from their father. He modeled great work ethic, teaching them how to take apart cars, building things, become handymen, and to appreciate family and enjoy great family dinners together.
Frank’s military accomplishments include two tours in Vietnam, and he was involved in stateside military rescues of Apollo 11 and 13. Frank was also stationed in Hawaii and at Moffitt Field in the San Francisco Bay area. Retiring as a Chief in 1995, Frank moved from the California area to Montana in 1975. While in the Bigfork area, he maintained a friendship with Millie, and shared many years as her dear friend. She was a family friend of Frank’s sister Evelyn Watson and her husband Douglas. They enjoyed many visits to Montana to visit both Frank and Millie. Frank moved to Eureka, but continued his friendship with Millie.
On February 14, 2000, Frank met Sheri Sautter and they have been best friends and companions since that time. Together they became great Griz fans, never missing a chance to cheer the Griz from the north end zone. In 2008, Frank gave Sheri a beautiful diamond “commemorative ring”, which provided much confusion and laughs to her family and friends. Frank and Sheri truly loved each other, and they had planned to marry this summer. Frank developed a close relationship with Sheri’s children over the years.
Frank is remembered for his incredible wit, humor, and generosity. Frank would never turn his back on someone who needed help. His tough exterior gave way to a very gentle and kind man.
Frank’s love for the arts brought him to Helena where he attended many symphonies and concerts, and enjoyed the Art Rendezvous, where he purchased many fine pieces of art. He attended many music events as well, and one of his favorite young vocalists was Sheri’s young daughter Kelly. He had unique and exquisite taste and was known for his artistic thoughts and skills. He was a jack of all trades with master skills in carpentry, mechanics, and interior decorating.
Frank is survived by sons Frank III, Douglas, Randall, Richard, grandchildren, Jessica, Francesca, Amanda, Richard, Jerry, sister Evelyn Watson and husband Douglas, and their children Eleanor, Samuel, Faucee, and Tess.
He will be greatly missed by his family as well as many others in the bay area. Frank will be greatly missed by Sheri, and her children April Fife (Kirk), Brian (Jennifer) and Shawn (Kaely) Helmbrecht, Kelly (Shane) Alcock, and their children, Taylor, Hayley, Caden, Brianna, Shane Carter and Maicee. Frank had a special friendship with Shirley and Darla Sautter as well.
Military graveside services will be held Monday, August 9th at 11 am at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Helena, or Cancer Societies of your choice.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Douglas Watson says
Frank and Evelyn Koch, their parents, and I in New Jersey and Arlington. And with his family in Chula Vista. Then Cupertino, San Jose, Big Fork and Eureka, Montana. A caring host. A mind of his own. He listened and heard. He valued and respected honesty. He would be the first to say he was not perfect. A good man, unique, his own man, always his own man. He is gone, and I relish my memory of him
Douglas Watson, brother-in-law
Evelyn Watson says
Of course I remember the days of yore; the first time my brother asked me to help him tie his tie, and the time he gave me a pearl ring for my eighteenth birthday. A ring I still treasure. But, I remember, also, the later days in Bigfork and Eureka, Montana — the walks, the drives, the conversations, his hospitality. He knows how very, very much I miss him. God bless you, Frank.
Evelyn, big sister