Obituary for Kenneth "Spike" Karl Koch Jr.
Kenneth “Spike” Karl Koch Jr.
8/14/1962- 12/3/2019
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Kenneth suddenly and tragically passed away on December 3, 2019 at the age of 57.
He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Carmen; his children Sarah (Mathew) Nisbett, Nicholas (Shannon) Koch, Maria (Dylan) Babcock; his parents, Kenneth and Shirley; his father-in-law, Thomas Muscat; his many brother and sister-in-laws; his sisters, Molly, Andrea, and families; his pets, Holly, Reese, and Kitten; and his grand dogs, Seger, Penny, Moose, and Marshmallow. He is preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Mary Muscat.
Spike was a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and the core of his family. Spike could be described in many ways. He was intelligent, humorous, helpful, persistent, hardworking, confident, innovative, loyal, and a mentor.
Spike was a level 5 mechanic at the City of Ann Arbor who would have been there for the past 21 years on December 14th. He enjoyed mentoring new hires and many young mechanics looked to Spike for his knowledge of fixing trucks. Prior to the past 21 years as a lead mechanic for the City of Ann Arbor, he held many other positions including being a driver for Washtenaw Sand and Gravel, security guard, farmer, and machinist. Previously, Spike was a volunteer firefighter at the Ann Arbor Township Fire Department. He was also an entrepreneur and was always thinking of new business ideas. Spike and Carmen have their own business owning and operating vending machines for the past 20 years. As a young entrepreneur he started many things. He started Koch Farms Trucking where he delivered topsoil and composted manure. In addition, he raised and sold beef cows, which led to him selling a slab of beef to Carmen’s father that began their relationship.
Spike ultimately was a family man. He was very loyal to Carmen and their three kids whom he was incredibly proud of. He supported them in all of their schooling, weddings, and adventures. Spike was active with this family- flying planes, scuba-diving, driving tractors and equipment, updating the house and barn, farming with his son, helping his kids with their houses, and recently taking up the game of golf.
In his spare time he enjoyed playing with his grand dogs, building his retirement shop for welding, fabricating, and machining. Also he enjoyed vegetable gardening and cooking for his family. He had a real passion for unique styles of music and their instruments (Hurdy Gurdy, Moog Synthesizer, Banjo, and Bagpipes). He was an enthusiast of fine liquors and cigars. He was often referred to as a walking encyclopedia.
Spike was taken too soon from his family and friends. He will be forever loved and truly missed. This world will not be the same without him. We are so thankful for all the years we had with him.
Spike, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. You will live in our hearts forever.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2019, from 1-8 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Nie Family Funeral Home; 2400 Carpenter Rd., Ann Arbor, Mi 48108. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, December 9, 2019, at 10 a.m. with visitation beforehand at 9:30 a.m. at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church; 530 Elizabeth St, Ann Arbor, Mi 48104. Burial will take place at Washtenong Memorial Park.
8/14/1962- 12/3/2019
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Kenneth suddenly and tragically passed away on December 3, 2019 at the age of 57.
He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Carmen; his children Sarah (Mathew) Nisbett, Nicholas (Shannon) Koch, Maria (Dylan) Babcock; his parents, Kenneth and Shirley; his father-in-law, Thomas Muscat; his many brother and sister-in-laws; his sisters, Molly, Andrea, and families; his pets, Holly, Reese, and Kitten; and his grand dogs, Seger, Penny, Moose, and Marshmallow. He is preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Mary Muscat.
Spike was a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and the core of his family. Spike could be described in many ways. He was intelligent, humorous, helpful, persistent, hardworking, confident, innovative, loyal, and a mentor.
Spike was a level 5 mechanic at the City of Ann Arbor who would have been there for the past 21 years on December 14th. He enjoyed mentoring new hires and many young mechanics looked to Spike for his knowledge of fixing trucks. Prior to the past 21 years as a lead mechanic for the City of Ann Arbor, he held many other positions including being a driver for Washtenaw Sand and Gravel, security guard, farmer, and machinist. Previously, Spike was a volunteer firefighter at the Ann Arbor Township Fire Department. He was also an entrepreneur and was always thinking of new business ideas. Spike and Carmen have their own business owning and operating vending machines for the past 20 years. As a young entrepreneur he started many things. He started Koch Farms Trucking where he delivered topsoil and composted manure. In addition, he raised and sold beef cows, which led to him selling a slab of beef to Carmen’s father that began their relationship.
Spike ultimately was a family man. He was very loyal to Carmen and their three kids whom he was incredibly proud of. He supported them in all of their schooling, weddings, and adventures. Spike was active with this family- flying planes, scuba-diving, driving tractors and equipment, updating the house and barn, farming with his son, helping his kids with their houses, and recently taking up the game of golf.
In his spare time he enjoyed playing with his grand dogs, building his retirement shop for welding, fabricating, and machining. Also he enjoyed vegetable gardening and cooking for his family. He had a real passion for unique styles of music and their instruments (Hurdy Gurdy, Moog Synthesizer, Banjo, and Bagpipes). He was an enthusiast of fine liquors and cigars. He was often referred to as a walking encyclopedia.
Spike was taken too soon from his family and friends. He will be forever loved and truly missed. This world will not be the same without him. We are so thankful for all the years we had with him.
Spike, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. You will live in our hearts forever.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2019, from 1-8 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Nie Family Funeral Home; 2400 Carpenter Rd., Ann Arbor, Mi 48108. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, December 9, 2019, at 10 a.m. with visitation beforehand at 9:30 a.m. at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church; 530 Elizabeth St, Ann Arbor, Mi 48104. Burial will take place at Washtenong Memorial Park.