Obituary for Allen "Sam" Koch

Allen (Sam) Koch, 85, passed away peacefully Friday, December 27, 2024, at the University Hospital and Clinics. 

Sam began his long and fulfilling life on September 4, 1939, born to Albert & Verda (Shaffer) Koch in Tipton, Iowa. Sam graduated from Tipton High School in 1957 where he achieved varsity letters in football, basketball, track, and baseball. In September of 1957 he joined the United States Air Force. It was during that time he made many of his lifelong friends. Sam was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1961. Upon returning home he met and married Fern, where they had two of Sam’s greatest accomplishments, Carmen and Tory. 

Sam worked briefly at Alcoa and then managed Empire gas until he started his career with the postal service until he retired in 1992 after 23 years. He was often referred to as “Sam-Sam-The Mail-Man”. Sam enjoyed the outdoors, golfing, bowling, slow pitch, and yard work. He especially enjoyed socializing with friends and family. You could often find Sam watching the Chicago Bears, Cubs, the Hawks or westerns. He was a member of the Tipton Fire Department, Moose Lodge, National Association of Letter Carriers, and VFW.

Sam is survived by his children, Carmen & husband Chris Cook and Tory & wife Sheila Koch; former wife, Fern (Dawson) Vitense; grandchildren Cole (Taylor) Cook, Chance Koch, Cody Koch, Seth (Kacey) Cook, Caitlin (Nick) Stein; and great grandchildren Lauren, Bailey, Mara, Tate, Callum, and Cohen.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 4th from 3:00-6:00 pm at the Tipton VFW. Burial will be at a later date. Family and friends are invited to come and share fond memories and stories.

Memorial donations can be made to Sam Koch Memorial and mailed to 601 Locust St, Tipton, IA 52772.