A recent Iowa Alumni Magazine had an article about the guys who discovered Cold Water Cave. I thought of Don and wanted to check on him, Our sympathies on his passing.

I was a natural resources aide to then Governor Bob Ray in 1982, when Don as State Geologist, gave now husband Steve and me a 5 hour tour of CWC. It was magical! I always admired his work and was pleasantly surprised when he said he led the mapping of CWC, but hadn’t been back in a few years. Of course that day was a work day for Don and me, Steve took leave. I always believed Natural Resources Managers must check out the resources. Whether the Mississippi River, the Loess Hills, or the largest cave in the Upper Midwest, it would be managed better if those in charge checked it out up close. Don was so cool!

My condolences to Don's family and friends. I met Don through my geology friends when I lived in Iowa City years ago and enjoyed his sense of humor and dedication to geology. He will be missed. Rest in peace, my friend.

Jean, Kyle & Laura and boys, Amy and family;

I always loved having chats with Don when he would stop by the tailgate and most recently when you hosted our HMB family for brunch. Don's smile was infectious. His joy for life, and athleticism with his bike riding, were very impressive to me. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I look forward to celebrating with you the wonderful life he led.

I do know that he and Nathan are reunited and at peace together.

Love and hugs to you all.

Kris

What wonderful life Don led, his steps up his chosen field of geology to state geologist with many accomplishments, his experiences with his hobby of cycling, and a long and rewarding family life! May God bring comfort to all who love and miss him.

GeH9t

I was saddened to learn about the passing of Don Koch. During the summers of 1967 through 1971, I was employed by the Iowa Geological Survey during my undergraduate years at the University of Iowa. I interacted with Don almost every day and was delighted to know that he eventually rose to become the director of the survey. I had a very high regard for the publications that Don authored while at the Iowa Survey. I do have a fun story to share about Don. He had authored a wonderful paper about fossil cystoids from the Devonian of northern Iowa. One of the artists working for the Survey was tasked with drawing a reconstruction to show how these echinoderms lived together. I do not recall the artists name, but as his drawing evolved- it was plain to see that Don took an avid interest in checking on progress most days. The artist teased Don by hiding a little gnome in among the cystoids. Don had to hunt to find the hidden gnome, who often reappeared in other places on the drawing. It got to be a kind a game between the geologist and the artist.

I did not know that Don started out in Dubuque, which was also my home town. Like him, I started out at the survey as a lab technician. But during my last summer, I was promoted to an well-elevation runner and assigned a state vehicle for my road work. I reported directly to Don on a weekly basis. He was a very kind boss.

My condolences to his family and friends.

Sincerely.

Markes Johnson

Williamstown, MA

Jean, Kyle, Amy and families:

I don't think I need to tell you how much Don meant to me. I am honored to have called him "friend." He phoned me the Tuesday before he died and we talked about his illness, the grand kids, and his most recent visits to Amy's and Silvia's. He asked about Lee's health and was glad we are going to be able to return to AZ this winter and wished us happy times. We said good-by - I told him to take care of himself. I am so sad - but thankful he is no longer in pain? Jean, I will stop and see you when I visit IC.

Jean and family, please have Jim G. connect you to the "old Survey" friends page - there have been many pictures put on of DK this week. Hugs to all of you.

Lois Bair

I'll always remember Don (DK) as a fair and compassionate leader. When I was between my stint with the Coal Division and an outside contract, he somehow kept me on staff with a regular paycheck. This was greatly appreciated. He always protected his staff. When I had my leg in a cast for a broken ankle I was summoned to Des Moines to give testimony regarding an issue. Since I was obviously in no condition to drive, he called their bluff and told them they would have to come to Iowa City. They never showed up. Although I do not remember what the issue was, I got the distinct feeling that Don did not necessarily agree with my opinion of the matter, yet he acted to support me. On the other hand, Don did support his senior staff When I requested flex time to be with my children so my wife could work two afternoons a week, Don supported his division chief's decision to deny my request. Evan though I "lost," I still admired Don for supporting his staff. Don stayed on as State Geologist after we joined the DNR despite being passed over for a bigger role in the DNR. This too showed his support for his staff. Don was a stickler for Spelling. Once Carol Thompson and I prepared a publication with "Nishnabotna" misspelled on the cover. We had to do it all over again. Once we had a guest, an editor of the glossary of Geology, and Don asked him how he would use "groundwater" as two words like the USGS did, or one word. The gentleman equivocated, so Don said fine we'll use it as one word - period. And so we have ever since. At his recent 79th birthday party I took some photos. When I gave him a CD with all the photos, I had to be sure to tell him that this was not a gift, because his invitation specifically said "no gifts." After Don retired he became even more friendly. We once had lunch together for no special reason. DK has been a trustworthy, loyal, and caring person for his family, friends, and professional colleagues. It was a pleasure for me to have known and worked with him. May God bless Don and his family. Rest in Peace, Donald LeRoy Koch.

Had many pleasant visits with Don at Iowa City Noon Rotary Club over the past 25 or 30 yrs.

My sincerest sympathy to Don's Family.

A privilege to have known Don.

Kermit Sheker

P.O.Box 624

Edmonds, WA. 98020

We will be forever thankful- especially Liam- for the time Don took this past year to show my son all of his rocks and fossils. What a wonderful experience for a young scientist- to be taken so seriously by an enthusiastic fellow scientist.

I will miss Don's hugs and warm greetings. We are thinking of you, Jean, and the rest of the family.

-Whitney, Darren, and Liam

So very sorry for your loss. I worked with Don at the DNR and always enjoyed hearing his bicycling stories. I know he will be missed by many.

We are saddened by this loss. We always enjoyed being around Don at AASG meetings and seeing how much he enjoyed each day.

Michael and Linda Bograd

Mississippi

On behalf of the Iowa Limestone Producers Association, please accept our sincere condolences. Don was a longtime friend of our industry and tremendous source of knowledge. Our members will miss his council.

Richard White

Executive Director

Don was a great friend, I enjoyed riding with him and hanging out in Perry, at Brrr. Keep on truckin Don, always peddling.

Jean, Amy, Kyle, & Koch Family,

The Reed family sends our deepest condolences to the entire Koch family. Don will be sorely missed. What a great expansion of family when our daughter Laura married Kyle & joined our two families.

Lowell & Corrinne Reed & Stephen & Jessica Lynn Reed

Don fought a long and hard fight beating all expectations. His toughness and willingness to live life to its fullest until the end is something to be admired and respected. You will be missed by many. Pedal on.

I am so sorry for your loss. I know Nathan was there to greet his dad with a big hug and a smile! You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.

Lissa