SEARSPORT – William J. Koch, 86, of Searsport, passed away June 13, 2004, at Waldo County General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 14, 1918, in Winchester, Mass., to William and Caroline Kistinger Koch. He was a man of many talents having farmed most of his life. He became a mechanic, builder-carpenter, and worked many years as a longshoreman at the Searsport Docks. His hobbies were varied and included gardening and watch repair while daily activities included working crossword puzzles. He was a meticulous and detailed-oriented man as shown through his hobbies. Bill was a member of the Searsport School Board at the time SAD 56 was formed. He also served his town as a Tax Assessor, was a member of the Searsport Economic Development Committee and served on many other committees. He was a founding member of the Prospect Fire Department and a lifetime member of the NRA. As a Navy Veteran during World War II, he was among those honored at this year’s Memorial Day Ceremonies in Prospect. Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ada Clark Koch; two sons, John and his wife, Pamela, and Arthur and friend, Silvia, of Searsport; two daughters, Susan Greever and her husband, Charles “Chuck” of Iowa, Mary Ginn and her husband, Stanley “Dick” of Winterport; eight grandchildren, Jeremy Koch and his wife, Kristen, Bridgett Koch, Arthur Koch Jr., William Koch, Christopher Koch and Catherine Koch, Ada and Kenneth Ginn; two great-grandchildren, Tieghan and Kylie Koch; one sister, Catharine Koch Lebowitz of Bangor. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, June 19, at the Belfast Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor John Evans officiating. Visitation will be held at 12 noon until the service at 2 p.m. at the church. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Prospect. Arrangements are with the Rackliffe Funeral Home, 54 Church St., Belfast, ME 04915. www.dignitymemorial.com
WILLIAM J. KOCH
