Clarence Edward Koch
November 3, 1939 ~ March 10, 2021
Clarence Edward Koch was born November 3, 1939 to Mona and Percy Koch. He grew up on a farm just north of Marysville, KS, one of seven children: Janet, Kenneth, Loyd, Clarence, Vern, Linda, and Alan. It is said that the neighbors were envious of Percy because five of those seven children were boys, so he had a lot of help on the farm.
When Clarence graduated from high school he came to the “big” city, Wichita, to seek his fortune. He had intended to learn to repair television sets, but soon learned he would rather be an accountant. He graduated from WU in 1964. Along the way, he worked at the Miller Theatre as an assistant manager. His cashier there had a good friend, Suzanne Hoover, whom she used to sneak into the theatre to watch movies. It is thought that Clarence was always aware of this subterfuge.
After his graduation, he decided to attend Washburn Law School. After they had both finished school, he returned to Wichita and took a job in accounting. By then he had secured his CPA certificate of which he was quite proud, but rarely told anybody. This is because Clarence was a quiet man who mostly kept his feelings to himself and never bragged. They began hanging out together and grew to love one another. They were married February 24, 1968 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. His childhood friend, Arlyn Saathoff, assisted at the ceremony.
During their 53 years of marriage, three children arrived to be cared for and nurtured. They are Jeffrey Scott (Katherine), Joshua Daniel (Stacy) and Gretchen Suzanne. There are four grandchildren: Emily, Ellie, Max, and Ainsley. Clarence was a man of honor and a sense of duty. He deeply cared for his family and would always help them in any way he could. Once, when Suzanne was complaining that she had always lived in Wichita and longed to live elsewhere, and asked “why” did he come back, etc., he told her that he returned to Wichita because she was there. This was one of the most endearing things he ever said.
Clarence’s memorial service will be on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 10:00 am at Reformation Lutheran Church, 7601 E. 13th St. N., Wichita, KS 67206.
Memorials are established with the Scholarship committee of Assistance League of Wichita as well as the Community Breakfast of Reformation Lutheran Church.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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Suzanne, I am sorry for you and your family, losing a husband and father has got to be so hard. You will be a strong force for the rest of the family to get through this very tough time. I will be thinking of you. Jane Stevens Luellen
CEK was the best at what he did. His practice of accountancy was ethically and his dedication to his clients and friends unquestionable. His religious faith I’m sure held him up during the last few days. Grace from the beginning and Grace to the end. He should be welcome in Christ’s table. Never a discouraging word and a since of humbleness and Obedience to his Creator and his church.
Becky and I feel a kindred ship with Clarence as He was always kind and thoughtful. Our thought and prayers are with the entire family and his close friends who are and will miss Clarence. Grace from the beginning to the end.
Suzanne and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Clarence was such a good man. I enjoyed talking with him at church and also at the CPA firm. I wish you comfort and peace during this sad time in your life. Keep the faith. Pam Clinger
So many memories with Clarence at the Theatres, the Miller and the Orpheum…also our trip to Hawaii with Bob Becker…My thoughts and prayers go out to Suzanne and their children…Clarence was a GREAT GUY… LK Terrell – Lakeway, Texas
I am deeply saddened by our loss, yours, Suzanne and family, and mine. I have always valued Clarence as a good and dear friend. He was a dignified and kind man. His sharing and counseling with me when I learned of my cancer was greatly appreciated. And I fondly remember him as a great and enthusiastic teammate on the softball diamond, scooping up those errant throws to first base. Wishing you God’s Peace.
I played a lot of golf with Clarence at Tallgrass. He was a kind and very unassuming man and greatly enjoyed his company on and off the course. Rest in peace old friend. Bob Neace
Dear Suzanne, We were so sorry to hear the news about Clarence. We have fond memories of the “golf group” days….Andy of the golf with Clarence and me of the parties, of course, and getting to meet you both. His kindness was worn on his sleeve and we both feel lucky to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids and grandkids. What a wonderful legacy he has left. I am sorry we cannot attend the service, but we are there in spirit sharing in the sorrow and celebration of a life so well lived. With love, Andy and Mary Kemmer
Suzanne and family, My sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved Clarence. I always looked forward to seeing Clarence on the tennis court and to chatting with such a gentleman during our brief times together. I am so saddened by his passing . Certainly there is no need to tell you what a wonderful man the world has lost. I will always treasure his memory. I will look forward to meeting him again in the realm of our Heavenly Father.