Ronald Charles George Koch

Celebrating and Remembering the Life of Ronald Charles George Koch

May 12, 1937 – June 18, 2025

Ronald Charles George Koch was born on May 12th, 1937 at his Grandma Koch’s home in the Hoffenthal district. He passed away on June 18th, 2025 at the age of 88 in his home with his loving wife Paulette and oldest son Brad by his side.  Ron was the 3rd of 6 children born to George and Elisabeth (Minnie Bieber) Koch. He was baptized at his place of birth on May 30th, 1937 and confessed his baptismal faith in the right of Confirmation at the Zion Lutheran Church in Hoffenthal on August 17th, 1952.  His confirmation bible verse was “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Ron was raised on the family farm in the RM of Shellmouth, attending school in Flower Valley, Shellmouth and Inglis. He later left home to obtain his teaching certificate and taught school for a year in Glenella, Manitoba.  Ron travelled to Edmonton, working odd jobs before finding work in the mining industry in Uranium City.  After a few years Ron went to work for a pulp and paper company in Hinton alongside his brother Ivan. In 1962, Ron moved to Langenburg and worked on the crew installing the mine shaft at KI Esterhazy.  Upon its completion, Ron began his mining career working for International Minerals and Chemicals Corp.

In 1963, Ron met the love of his life, Paulette Yuzik.  They were married on February 8, 1964 and together raised 3 children- Deanna, Bradley and Jeffrey.

Throughout the years Ron was an active member in the community serving as a Town Councillor and held many positions at Christ Lutheran Church.  He spent many weekends in the summer calling balls and strikes as an umpire and curled in the winter.  His love for sports included cheering for his favorite teams - Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. 

His true passion was fishing and camping.  He loved the time spent travelling around Saskatchewan and Manitoba catching fish and enjoying the outdoors.  The annual spring fishing trip with the “boys” was a highlight for Ron and a time to let loose.  His favorite place was Lake of the Prairies where the family spent summer after summer creating lasting memories.

Ron retired in 1999 after an incredible 32-year career as a shaft supervisor for IMC Kalium and later Mosaic.  His commitment to safe operations and driving productivity was recognized through multiple awards.  He loved his job and was proud of the crews he worked with and the accomplishments they achieved.

Ron was predeceased by his parents George and Elisabeth Koch, father and mother-in-law John and Erna Yuzik, step mother-in-law Jean Yuzik, infant brother Clarence, brothers Gerald (Wilma) and Ivan (Bernice) and many other close family relatives.

He leaves to mourn his wife of 61 years, Paulette; daughter Deanna (Russ), Kristen (Deena) and Londyn, Colin; son Bradley; son Jeffrey (Kimberley) and Kendra.  Sister Elaine (Don), brother Vern (Elaine), brother-in-law Tom (Joanne) as well as numerous other relatives.

Ron will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.