Herman J. “Dutch” Koch, 96, of De Soto died April 6, 2026, at Stonebridge Senior Living in De Soto. Mr. Koch held many positions while working for the Missouri Pacific Railroad Car Shops in De Soto and retired as a blue printer. He served in the Missouri National Guard and was a member of Amvets Post 48. He also was a member of the Jefferson County Squares and the Biv Wackers Camping Club. He enjoyed working on his farm and was known for his ability to build and fix things. Born July 4, 1929, he was the son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Schrameyer) Koch.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Rosemary (Burke) Koch.
He is survived by two children: Sharon A. Koch-McKee and Sandra M (Darick) James, both of De Soto; four grandchildren: Jeffery (Susie Parker) McKee, Kathryn (Robert) Flanary, Jason (Ashley) McKee and Melanie (Kevin) Pashea; seven great-grandchildren: Gatlan Nail, Trinity Nail, Ava McKee, Raegan McKee, Stella McKee, Marlee Dell and Ava Carlson; a brother: Charles Koch of De Soto; and many other family members and friends.
He also was preceded in death by a son-in-law: Jim McKee; two sisters: Aurelia “Sketter” Speidel and Mildred Henley; a brother: George Koch; a sister-in-law: Dorothy Koch; and two brothers-in-law: Earl Speidel and Fred Henley.
Visitation is scheduled from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, April 12, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., in De Soto. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, April 13, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 504 S. Third St., in De Soto, officiated by Father Vincent Nyman. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum in De Soto. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.