Koch’s Turkey Farm announces passing of founder

The Koch family is deeply saddened to announce that Lowell R. Koch, 85, passed away on Thursday, August 3rd, after a brief battle with lymphoma. Lowell and his wife, Elizabeth, founded Koch’s Turkey Farm in 1953, after taking over the turkey division of his late father’s farm, and grew the company from 1,300 turkeys per year to over a million turkeys per year under his tenure. Their dedication and direction produced a successful operation that has been acknowledged as a leader in the all-natural and organic turkey industry. Koch’s Turkey Farm is now under the direction of the third and fourth generations of the Koch family.

Lowell is survived by beloved wife, Elizabeth, of 64 years and his three daughters: Barbara Koch, Beth Argall, and Pamela Williams. He is survived by ten grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Lowell was preceded in death by his son, Duane Koch, on June 30th, 2017.

In addition to his success in agriculture, he served as director of Sky View Memorial Park, director of the former Lakewood Telephone Company, and past chairman of the Pennsylvania National Bank Advisory Board. He previously served as a member of the Schuylkill County Soil and Water Conservation District. Lowell was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Lewistown Valley; Tamaqua F & A Masons #238; and the Schuylkill Country Club.

He sowed happiness and love into every aspect of his life. He never met a stranger, always turned new people into friends, and enjoyed winters in Florida forming lasting relationships. Lowell was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing; his love of wildlife art transformed him into an amateur collector. He also had a love of classic cars, American-made boots, good food, and scotch.

Services will be held at 11am on Wednesday, August 9 in Zion Church, 491 Valley Road, Lewistown Valley, with Pastor James Williams officiating. Entombment in Sky View Memorial Park will follow the services. Call 6-8pm on Tuesday, August 8 at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad Street, Tamaqua and 10-11am on Wednesday, August 9 in the church.

Memorials in Lowell’s name may be made to:
Abramson Cancer Center Development
3535 Market Street, Suite 750
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Checks made payable to “Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania.”

Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com.

Source: Koch’s Turkey Farm

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