Duane Koch of Koch’s Turkey farm dies at age 60

The Koch family is deeply saddened to announce that Duane L. Koch, 60, passed away on Friday, June 30th, after a brief illness. Duane was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Koch’s Turkey Farms.

Koch led the antibiotic-free and organic turkey company and was highly respected for his expertise in live operations. He was with the company throughout his life and shared a true passion for the business.

Born Tuesday, October 2, 1956 in Coaldale, Pennsylvania, he is survived by his parents, Lowell R. Koch and Elizabeth M. (Billig) Koch of Lewistown Valley; his beloved wife of seven years, Terry A. (Moyer) Koch; daughter, Jessica E. Kellner and her husband Sean of Hummelstown; son, Brandon L. Koch and his wife Melissa of Lewistown Valley; sisters, Ms. Barbara Koch of Lewistown Valley, Mrs. Beth Argall wife of David of Nesquehoning, Mrs. Pam Williams wife of Samuel of Lewistown Valley; grandchild, Deanna E. Folk; stepchildren; Mrs. Laura Faenza wife of Joseph of Coaldale, Kristen Behr of Tamaqua, Glenn Behr and his wife Lindsey of Chicago; and step-grandchild Connor Faenza. Many nieces and nephews also survive Duane.

A 1974 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School, Duane was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Koch's Turkey Farms in Lewistown Valley. Duane was a pioneer of antibiotic-free & organic growing practices in the poultry industry and was highly regarded in the turkey industry for his expertise and humility. Professionally, he was a member of the National Turkey Federation, PennAg, and Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture.

Duane was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed archery, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of Lone Pine Fish Club of Middleport, where he appreciated the camaraderie and trout fishing of the club. As an avid angler, he was also passionate about fishing for walleye while vacationing in Quebec. A lifelong automobile enthusiast, Duane was a member of the Schuylkill Valley Corvette Club, and had just finished restoring his classic 1970 Corvette. Duane was also a talented chef and enjoyed cooking delicious meals for family and friends.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 11 o'clock a.m. from the funeral home, Pastor Joshua Ott to officiate. Friends shall be received on Friday evening at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and on the morning of services from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.

Memorials in his honor to:
Lone Pine Fish Club
In care of "Duane Koch Memorial" and mailed to:
attn: Colleen Shevokas
11 Moss Glenn Road
Brockton, Pennsylvania 17925
For the construction of a lasting memorial.

Tamaqua/Carbon American Cancer Society
101 West Frack Street
Frackville, Pennsylvania 17931

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Source: Koch’s Turkey Farm

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