Lawrence P. “Larry” Koch

Lawrence P. “Larry” Koch, 88, of Highland, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Well Care of Highland.

He was born on May 6, 1936, in Breese, IL, to Quinten and Leona (nee Hellige) Koch, the oldest of their 5 children. He attended St. Paul Catholic School in Highland, IL. On February 7, 1959, Larry married Betty Childerson in Highland, IL, and that marriage ended in divorce. On April 1, 1989, he married Jacqueline “Jackie” Aernoutes, in Hannibal, MO.

Larry enlisted in the United States Air Force at the end of the Korean War and served his country from 1953 to 1957; during which he was stationed in Alaska. He received an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force and started working as a barber in Granite City, IL, for several years, following in his father’s footsteps. Larry started Italian Village Pizza with his brother, Tom, as a second job, running it from 1967 to 1970, before selling it to Joe Koch, who eventually sold it to Sam Roniger. He then managed two different tire businesses in St. Louis, MO, before opening Larry’s Tire & Battery in Highland, IL, in 1983, owning it until he retired in 2006 at 70 years old.

Larry loved life, people, his family, having fun, his country, and his Catholic faith; even bringing others to Mass in hopes they might love the faith too. He was an avid hunter, mushroom hunter, longtime member of Cloud Nine, enjoyed snowmobiling in Wisconsin, and was a flagman/safety man for Highland Stockcar races for many years. Larry had a beautiful smile and a contagious laugh that will be missed by many!

He was preceded in death by his parents, Quinten and Leona Koch; first wife, Betty Koch; second wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” Koch; stepsons, Kenny Carpenter, Billy Cunningham, and Johnny Cunningham; step granddaughter, Jessica Parsons.

Larry is survived by his devoted partner, Dianne Funkhouser; loving daughter, Jean (Koch) Gall; son-in-law, Steve “Skip” Gall; grandchildren, Lauren (Jason) Dauksch, Corey (Taylor) Gall; great grandchildren, Harper Dauksch, Hudson Dauksch, Graham Gall, Gabrielle Gall; step grandsons, Shawn Cunningham, Tristan Cunningham, Zach Cunningham; step great-granddaughter, Ryann Krotz; siblings, Barbara (Don) Johannes, Keith (Norene) Koch, Tom (Lynn) Koch, Lynn (Steve) Ritchie; numerous nieces and nephews; and two special caregivers that he loved and are like family – Korynn and Adalee.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul School – Breathe in the Spirit Campaign or the St. Paul Educational Foundation

Visitation: Friday, November 1, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, and Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 8:00 to 9:30 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, November 2, 2024, 10:00 am, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

Clergy: Fr. Pat Jakel, Pastor

Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL