Donald L. Koch

Donald L. Koch, 95, of Lower Heidelberg Township, passed away Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 7:30 am at Reading Hospital. Born August 28, 1931 in South Heidelberg Township, he was the son of the late Levi H. and Anne Rachel (Zeller) Koch. Donald was the husband of Phyllis Ann (Matz) Koch. Having met in County Band in 1949, they were married for 73 wonderful years, on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1953 at St. Daniel’s Lutheran Church in Robesonia by Reverend Elmer L. Leisy. Donald was a longtime member of St. Daniel’s and served on Church Council and various other committees. He is survived by his son Stuart A. Koch husband of Linda K. Koch of Port Royal, Virginia and his daughter Iris K. Lis wife of Russell J. Lis of Lower Heidelberg Township, his grandchildren Nathan T. Lis of Lower Heidelberg Township and Renee (Koch) Embrey wife of Lee Embrey of Locust Grove, Virginia and his great grandsons Jaxson L. and Maddox L. Embrey. Donald was preceded in death by his siblings Mae Z. Oxenreider, Rachel M. Stump, Helene I. Lutz, LeRoy A. Koch and Robert F. Koch. He was a 1949 graduate of Wernersville High School and served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of VFW Post 6150, Sinking Spring and the American Legion Post 0732 in Bernville. Donald was employed as a switching equipment technician by Bell of PA, Bell Atlantic and Verizon for 38 years. He was a life member of the Telephone Pioneers and since 1993 was involved in the Talking Books For The Blind and Handicapped program administered by the US National Library Service. In 1971 he became involved with local government in Lower Heidelberg Township, serving as Supervisor, Secretary/Treasurer, Police Commissioner and most of the other township boards and committees, last serving as an auditor. In 1983 Donald and Phyllis founded and began operating the Friendly Fir Christmas Tree Farm in Lower Heidelberg Township, enjoying many years of serving faithful friends with quality Christmas Trees. A longtime amateur musician, he was a member of various musical groups, including St. Daniel’s Lutheran, Robesonia and Trinity Lutheran, Wernersville Sunday School Orchestras, Berks Encore Orchestra, Brass in Praise, The Winona Band, Wyomissing Band, Heidelberg Polka Band, Ringgold New Horizons Band. He was a regular at Berks Tuba Christmas. Donald and Phyllis enjoyed concerts, hiking, visiting National Parks and cross country rail trips, as well as family visits and holiday gatherings.

Memorial Service will be held at St. Daniel’s Lutheran Church 480 Big Spring Road, Robesonia, PA 19551, Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 11:00 am. Reverend Mary Etta Mest will officiate. Interment will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Daniel’s Lutheran Church Tuesday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation and to St. Daniel’s Lutheran Church. Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory, 3825 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com