Howard Koch

Howard Koch passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, businessman, friend, and a man whose faith guided his life.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 2, at Church of St. Joseph’s in Mandan. Burial will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5-6 PM on Thursday, October 1, with a Rosary & Parish Vigil beginning at 6 PM at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan.

Howard was born on July 21, 1938, and lived his life in Mandan, ND. On December 29, 1962, he married the love of his life, Kathy Smith. Kathy and Howard were a team in every sense of the word. Over 63 years of marriage, they built a family, a business, and a life together.

Howard and Kathy owned and operated Koch Electric for many years. It was more than a business; it was part of the life they built side by side. Howard took his work seriously and treated people with honesty, fairness, and respect.

Family was always at the center of Howard's life. He was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he loved being part of their lives. He enjoyed both playing and watching sports and was one of the biggest fans at his children's and grandchildren's games. He loved nothing more than sharing a good golf game with family and friends.

Howard will be remembered for his character, his ethics, his heart, and the way he treated people. Those that knew him loved his warm smile, good sense of humor and his way of making people feel welcome, valued and cared for. Those are the things they will carry with them.

Howard is survived by his wife, Kathy; son, Keith; four daughters, Kelly (Paul) Tollefsrud and their children, Andree (Gavin) Duecker and their children, Kellen and Cash; Lexi (Logan) Kix and their children, Lincoln, Lucy, and Lydia; and Alyssa Tollefsrud; Korinne (Jerry) Kist and their children, Jesse (Breanna) Kist and their children, Elsie, Sylvie, and Lillie; and Jake Kist; Sandra (Gary) Haider and their children, Jamie (Josh) Kerner and their son, Ike and expected second child in January; Eryn (James) Murphy and their expected first child in October; and Matthew Haider; Susan Koch (Dan Lofgren) and her children, Mackenzie Loucks and Livia Loucks; many nieces, nephews, and friends; and brothers he was blessed to know in recent years, Stan and Roy Goble.

Howard will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. In leu of flowers, send donations to Church of St. Joseph, 108 3rd Street NE, Mandan, ND 58554.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Kist Livestock at 5:00 PM Friday evening to continue celebrating Howard’s life.