Pius Koch

Pius Koch, 84, of Mandan, ND, entered into eternal life on Sunday, July 21, 2024. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 AM on Friday, July 26, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mandan with Fr. Joshua Waltz and Fr. Dennis Schafer concelebrating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church followed by a 7 PM Prayer Service. 

For 84 years, Pius loved Jesus and his family with his whole heart. He was known for his incredible laugh, big hugs, playing guitar and singing polkas and waltzes, watching racing, building or fixing anything, and making amazing memories with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He left us so unexpectedly and quickly, but it is a reminder of how he lived his life…because Pius Koch did everything at full-force and fast!

Pius was born to Louie & Aurora Koch on August 18, 1939, in Carson, ND and was raised on the family farm near Shields, ND with 19 siblings. Pius spoke only German until starting first grade and graduated from Flasher High School in May of 1960. On October 4, 1960, he was united in marriage to Jeanette Weekes at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bismarck, ND. Together, they buried their first son, Craig, and raised their four children, Carey, Kyle, Kim, & Kevin. 

They first lived in Bismarck, moved to Flasher, ND in August of 1962, to Carrington, ND in 1974 and then back home to Mandan in 1983. Pius was a jack-of-all-trades and spent most of his career with Amoco, but also enjoyed using his skills as an electrician, carpenter, and bus driver. He was always known to be the life of the party, with his German phrases (Wie Geht’s – which is a friendly greeting) and his famous cheers while dancing polkas. 

Pius and Jeanette enjoyed camping and followed the dirt track racing seasons. For 20 years, they spent their winters in Arizona. Pius was a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Eagles and Moose lodges, and they were devoted members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mandan. 

Pius loved to share his musical talents, singing country, patriotic, and German songs while strumming his favorite guitar. He traveled all over the state to bring his music to nursing homes, giving such joy to others. When we miss his voice the most, we will treasure the many recordings of his music.

Pius is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jeanette; son, Carey (Bobbi) Koch; daughter, Kim Schafer; and son, Kevin (Lisa) Koch. He was a loving grandpa to Amanda (Chris) Johnson, Chris (Danielle) Koch, Rory (Alexis) Koch, Chelsey (Mike) Mann, Cole (Stephanie) Schafer, Megan (Drew) Papke, and Hannah & Emelia Koch. He was also great-grandpa to Harley & Arianna Johnson, Jack & Allyson Koch, Elliot, Lillianna & Charley Koch, and Jett & Luke Papke. His surviving siblings are Maggie Deichert, Rufina Stegmiller, Cecilia Gustin, Angelita Schafer, Richard Koch, Peggy Weber, & Daisy Heinrich.

Pius was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Craig and Kyle Koch; son-in law, Ron Schafer; brothers, Lawrence, Nikolus, Blaise, Louie, & Steven; sisters, Letvena Koch, Fanny Deichert, Pauline Roll, Genevieve Tishmack, Agnes Friesz, Mary Lou Bohn, and infant sister, Letvina Koch.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.