Gene Olan Koch, 86, of New Castle, Indiana, formerly of Rockford, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2020, at Glenn Oaks in New Castle, Indiana.

He was born on March 21, 1934, in Blackcreek Township, Rockford, Ohio, the son of the late Arlie A. and Hilda Ruth (Linn) Koch.

Gene was a member of the Willshire High School Class of 1952 in Willshire, Ohio. Gene entered the Marine Corps in 1953 and served his country in the Korean Conflict. On August 10, 1958, he married the love of his life, Alyce Mae Wolff, and she survives in New Castle.

Gene was a farmer in the Rockford area most of his life, but had worked in a North Dakota oil refinery and also worked a couple of years at Goodyear in St. Marys, Ohio, before turning all his efforts toward farming.

Gene was a Mercer County Farm Bureau member and served as a Blackcreek Township Trustee for many years. Not only did Gene love farming, but he also raised cattle and turkeys.

He was a member of New Life Christian Center in Celina, Ohio, for 45 years, and then after moving to New Castle, he attended the New Covenant Worship Center there.

Gene was a big sports fan of the grandkids, who played soccer, baseball, football, and basketball. Gene loved his family and enjoyed spending time with all of them.

Together, Gene and Alyce had three children: John Paul (Joy) Koch of Huntington, Indiana; Karen Marie (Greg) Miller of Layton, Utah; and Sarah Ann (Brian) Hughes of New Castle, Indiana. Surviving also, are 8 grandchildren: Kayla (Aaron) Wolf, Karmen Koch, Jordan (Heidi) Miller, Jared (Lexie) Miller, Alyssa Miller, Hannah Hughes, Cole Hughes, and Haley Hughes; and 3 great-grandchildren: Judah Miller, Adalynn Miller, and Elliot Miller. A sister and brother also survive: Janet (Don) Friedly of Annandale, Virginia and Charles (Janet) Koch of Defiance, Ohio.

Deceased in addition to Gene's parents, are 4 grandchildren, Josiah Miller, Trey Koch, Mary and Bracken Hughes; and a brother and his wife, James and Dorothy Koch.

Services for Gene will be held at the New Life Christian Center in Celina, Ohio, on Monday, September 28, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Jason King officiating. Burial will follow in East Bethel Cemetery, Blackcreek Township on St. Rte. 707, Rockford.

Friends may call at the church prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to New Life Christian Center, or New Covenant Worship Center.

Although family and friends are invited to attend Gene's visitation and services, we continue to be cautious and concerned for those who are most vulnerable. We strongly urge everyone to remain vigilant and respect the well-being of the family members and friends. Attendees are asked to observe social distancing, refrain from close physical contact, and wear facial coverings as required by state mandate.

Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com. Services for Gene have been entrusted to Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford.