Carl L. Koch aka Cookie, Gramps, and Grandpa Cookie April 16, 1941-June 14, 2023
Carl L. Koch passed from this world on June 14, 2023. His last days were spent surrounded by his family and many friends who loved him.
Carl was born on April 16, 1941, in Twin Falls, Idaho to Leonard and Jody Koch. While Carl’s early life circumstances were less than auspicious, they helped shape Carl’s character, producing resourcefulness, and requiring him to hone his signature persuasive charm.
Carl lived in several locations throughout Idaho before enlisting in the Air Force in 1958. He met his first wife, Judith, during this period, and they were married in 1959. Carl and Judy had four children together: Tony, Karen Jo, Connie, and Michael. Carl and Judy eventually divorced.
After the Air Force, Carl fortuitously found his way into the car business, leading to his lifelong career. From sales to management, Carl’s talents eventually led him to serve as GM at three different auto auctions in Tri-Cities and Auburn, Washington, and Oahu, Hawaii before retiring in Idaho in 2005. Employees under his leadership at the auctions remember with gratitude his wonderful mentorship.
While living in Arizona during his first marriage, Carl bought three golf clubs to try his hand at the sport. This ignited a passion for what would become a lifelong hobby. From that day forward, golf was one of his great affections.
Carl met the love of his life, Karen, in 1984 and the two were married on Karen’s 40th birthday, December 16, 1984. He also gained three more children as a result of the union: Ben, Rawl, and Tiffany. Carl introduced Karen to golf, and thankfully, the love of the game took. The two of them spent many happy days on the fairway together, traveling to courses all over the United States and abroad, often with beloved friends Adolph and Terri Cordova.
Being members of country clubs and living in those communities became the greatest source of friendship for both Carl and Karen. But of all locations, The Plantation/River Club in Boise, Idaho was always home. Carl loved being on the course, having a drink at the 19th hole, playing cards with the guys, and hopping in the cart to visit neighbors and friends in the community for a meal. Carl’s great wit and humor, especially his “Carlisms” will be fondly remembered at the club. And, of course, one would be remiss not to mention that he may have been known to put down a bet or two both on the course and on the card table throughout the years.
Carl was also an avid fisherman and took delight in sharing his hobby with friends and family. From his annual salmon fishing trip with the guys (Dennis McCracken at the helm), to being out on the lake in his boat with the grandkids and friends, fishing was a constant source of joy and pleasure.
Carl was blessed to have so many friends and family during the last few years of his failing health. They helped get him to medical appointments, brought meals, assisted with practical needs, and kept him company when getting out proved difficult.
Carl’s warmth, kindness, and winsome personality will be lovingly remembered and missed by all who knew him.
Carl is preceded in death by his father Leonard Koch, mother and stepfather Jody and Ralph Johns, his brother Leonard, sister Julie Clemens, sons Tony and Michael, and daughter Karen Jo. He is survived by his wife Karen, his daughters Connie (Dave Miller), and Tiffany (Bill) Link, his sons Ben (Kim) Brown, and Rawl (Mirenda) Brown, his granddaughters Heather, Krystal, Bailey, and Ruby; grandsons Kevin, Adam, Jason, Mike Jr., Zachary, Bradley, Cade, Colby, Silas, Max, and Ian; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Carl’s life will be celebrated on August 13, 2023, from 3-6 at The River Club.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.