Obituaries
Bruce R. Koch, 83
January 31, 2017
Bruce R. Koch, Minister Counselor (rtd.) United States Foreign Service, died suddenly on the morning of January 31st, 2017 at the age of 83. He did not “pass away,” nor did he “pass on.” He would not have preferred such vocabulary, belying his brilliant capacity for direct thought and mental acuity, attributes which served him well through his rather extraordinary life and were a tremendous inspiration to those around him.
Bruce was born in 1933 and spent his childhood in Berks County with his parents, Mervyn and Sarah Koch and beloved beagle, Jackie. From there, his life took a turn for the global, first as deployed to post-war Bavaria, where he met the love of his life, Johanna (Jenny) Heinzel. After attending Ursinus College, the two of them spent most of the subsequent decades, serving their country well, with their daughter Sigrid, in the diplomatic corps, with posts in Romania, erstwhile Czechoslovakia, Croatia, and other Cold War locales, where he mixed easily with the artists and dissidents of the samizdat. From Europe: Africa. For much of the 1980’s, Bruce’s journey took him to Ghana, Nigeria, and Ethiopia.
Following the birth of his grandson, James M. Kopf, son of Sigrid and Thomas Kopf, Bruce retired from the foreign service, so that he would be a constant and supportive presence in his only grandchild’s life – a task that he was extremely successful with.
Bruce will be missed the world over, but especially by his family, who will remember him for his genius and kindness, and the many afternoons whiled away solving the world’s problems in happy conversation.
Prayers and thoughts are welcome as are donations in his name to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
There will be no service. Because life is for the living.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
January 13, 2023
I knew Bruce in Lagos, Nigeria in the mid 1980s as the suave U.S. diplomat with a genteel demeanor. He spoke softly, moved quietly, but effectively. He was well regarded in the media and art circles. May his memory continue to evoke kind thoughts. Lanre Idowu
March 08, 2017
Jenny sorry to hear about Bruce . Prayers for the family .
Love Cousin Bill McElwee
March 03, 2017
Jenny, You and your family are in my prayers. I am very sorry for your loss. It has been great working with you and Bruce at your property through the years and Bruce was always such a great man to be around. I will never forget him. I am sure he is looking down on you. Please let me know if there is anything i can help you with at your property even if it is not related to the garden or lawn.
My condolences,
Greg Tomlinson and the Tomlinson Bomberger Family
February 22, 2017
Jenny very sorry Bruce died my condolences he was a fine man and excellent officer. Bob Baker I worked with Bruce in Bonn
February 09, 2017
Dear Koch Family
I met Bruce seven years ago when I opened my hair studio in Lititz. Bruce was a faithful, committed client of mine and I so enjoyed his time with me every four weeks! I will miss him and all of the enlightenment he brought to my studio. Remembering his gentle soul will forever remain in my heart.
My sincere condolences.
Janine
February 08, 2017
Jenny and Family,
We were shocked to learn of Bruce’s unexpecteed passing. Our thoughts are with you.
Gordon & Carol Perlmutter
February 08, 2017
Dear Jenny, Sadly we heard Bruce died last week. We are very sorry to hear this news. We will always remember his love of his garden and how much we enjoyed see it as we walked our dear little dog Abby. Thinking of you and we send you and your family condolences. Jimmy and Lynda Tinsley
February 07, 2017
Dearest Jenny, Sigrid and family,
As your world is turned upside down at your loss of Bruce, please know you are loved by many. I lost my husband just as suddenly and there is no easy way through this time. Be kind to yourselves and find solace in the loving fun memories you treasure. I wish you peace, love, cousin Lorraine
February 06, 2017
Jenny,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Blessings to you!
Marie Snavely
