Harlan Koch

Harlan Gene Koch, age 88, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at his home in Austin. He was born on November 7, 1932 in Trimont, Minnesota to Harry and Helen (Clemmensen) Koch. Harlan graduated from Trimont High School in 1951. Following high school, he joined the United States Air Force and served our country honorably from 1952-1956. On April 23, 1956, Harlan was united in marriage to Marilyn Verdeen Bales in Colorado Springs, CO. In 1960, Harlan graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Mankato State University. He began his teaching career at Winnebago High School, shortly taught in St. Cloud, and finished his teaching career at Austin High School where he taught and ran the school district’s printing and graphic arts departments for many years. During his time teaching at Austin High School he had the opportunity to design the Big 9 logo. While teaching, Harlan briefly coached baseball and football.  After retirement, he opened a printing business out of his home called A+ Printing. Harlan was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Austin VFW Post 1216, the Austin American Legion Post 91, and the Conservation Club for many years. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, woodworking, playing cards, and printing. Harlan loved watching sports, especially baseball.  He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Harlan was shortly survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Marilyn until she joined him on the other side three days later; He is survived by his children, Brenda Tabor of Austin, MN, Doug Koch of Eden Prairie, MN, and Denise Slack of Austin, MN; grandchildren, Savannah, Natalie, Nicholas, and Tyler; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Bennett; brothers, Ethan Koch of Fairmont, MN, and Lowell Koch of St. James, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Helen Koch; brothers, Bobby, Harold “Cork,” and Ed; and infant twin brother, Marlan.

A memorial gathering for Harlan will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 23, 2021, at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin, MN. The family invites you to share your memories with them during the memorial gathering. Private family interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Austin. Memorials are preferred to the National or Minnesota Multiple Sclerosis Society. Services are prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.