Dennis "Mel" Koch

Dennis “Mel” Koch, 78, of Highland, IL, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at his residence.

He was born on September 19, 1947, in Highland, IL, to Louis and Estelle (nee Dill) Koch.

Dennis graduated from Highland High School in 1965. His nickname Mel came from a High School teacher that mispronounced his first name, and it stuck. He started college at Colorado College for 2 years, then finished his undergrad and law school at the University of Illinois. Dennis worked as an attorney throughout his adult life serving his friends and townspeople with his “down home” charm. He was a good guy, that liked to help people but didn’t like to charge them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Estelle Koch; stepmother, Jean (Nee Koppers) Koch; sister, Sharon Haar; brother-in-law, Stanley Haar; cousin in law, Daniel Korte.

Dennis is survived by his nephew, Matthew (Wendy) Haar, Highland, IL; cousin, Bunny Korte, Highland, IL, Steven (Jodi) Koch, Chatham, IL, Scott Koch, Roswell, GA, Karen (Darren) Twyford, Highland, IL; stepbrother, Harvey (Candy) Guenther, Trenton, IL; half-brother, Jeffrey Guenther, AZ.

Celebration of Life: Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, at Michael’s Restaurant, Highland, IL.

Burial: at a later date