Robert Wharton Hoch, Sr.
January 1, 1948 ~ June 8, 2024
Robert “Bob” Wharton Hoch passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, June 8th, 2024, following a brief illness. He was the son of Wharton and Nadine (Noll) Hoch. Born in Marion, Kansas on January 1, 1948. Bob was raised in rural Marion on Marion County Lake. Some of the best summers of his childhood were spent with his Noll grandparents, who owned and farmed a stretch of land along the Cottonwood River north of Florence. Many summers were spent fishing and helping on the farm, driving the old John Deere. He also spent a lot of time at the Marion Country Record, learning alongside his father Wharton. In fourth grade Bob was hand setting type, and in seventh grade running the linotype, and presses. A lot of learning came from those years as a fourth-generation printer and newspaper man. Knowledge, he passed on to his son Robert II. Bob graduated from Marion High School in 1966 and went on to study at Wichita State University, receiving a degree in journalism and a minor in computer science. It was while attending WSU that he met the love of his life, Donna Armstrong. The couple celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary earlier this year.Bob went to work for the Wichita Eagle in 1971as a linotype operator. As technology changed, and the newspaper became more computerized, Bob became the Technology Manager. He played a key role in implementing and keeping the many systems and computers at the Eagle running smoothly. He retired from the Eagle in 2013 after 42 years but couldn’t stay away long. He continued as a part time plate maker in composing where he started, as plates had replaced the linotype. Upon retirement, Bob purchased a new motorcycle and joined the local ROMEO group (retired old motorcyclists eating out) and rode many a mile and enjoyed weekly friendship and fellowship at area restaurants. He also greatly enjoyed photography, competitive target shooting archery. Most of all he loved caring for Donna and spending time with his family. We grieve mightily for a man who not only was a talented printer, plainspoken, honest and humble down to his last "2-cents-worth-of-advice", Kansan, loving, loyal, caretaker husband, encouraging father, proud grandfather, true friend, and tremendously adored son all of which gave him such a strong foundation for life.Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brother Richard Hoch and sister-in law Nancy DeLong Hoch. He is survived by his wife Donna; son Robert W (Francesca) Hoch II of Newton; daughter Adrienne (Robert) Anderson of Wichita; sister Beverly (Mike Steinel) Hoch of Denton, TX; brothers Jim (Cindy) Hoch of Warrenville, IL and William (Alix) Hoch of Aspen, CO; sister-in Law Beth Young, Mulvane, KS; grandchildren Rebekah (Everett) Sauerwein, Sarah Gronau all of Newton, KS; Lauren and Robert Anderson of Wichita. Bob also had many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held in Marion, Kansas during the Old Settlers weekend in September 2024, date, time and location to be announced. A family grave side service will be held at Marion’s Highland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caring Hands Humane Society, 1400 SE 3rd St., Newton, KS 67114.Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. - 30 -
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At the Wichita Eagle Bob would always stop by my desk in advertising for a quick visit. We talked about motorcycles. He knew me and my husband were Harley riders and we each had our own bikes. After Bob got his motorcycle he was so happy. Bob was truly “one of the good guys!” I pray for his wife and family as I know what it’s like losing the love your life. We have our memories. Rest in Peace Bob. I’m happy to have known you.
Jane Kjelland
Bob and I became friends from the beginning. We played softball, basketball and bocce. I remember when Bob “slipped up” in the composing room and was hired that night as Linotype operator and a “Cracker Jack Operator” he was. When the computer came in, Bob became the computer expert at the Eagle and was instrumental when 2YK came in. After retiring we made it a point to meet the last Friday of the month for lunch. Bob and I were the last of the composing room buddies that stayed in touch. I’ll miss our fun times and memories we shared. “Gone But Not Forgotten “ RIP O’Buddy. RW
One of THE most kind, patient, calm humans to ever exist. Such a good man, good voice of reason, never failing fixer. I was so privileged to have been a family member and employee for short time, but Bob will always be the one great father figure in my life. Much love to the Hoch Family,
Robyn Garrison
Bob and I were old high school buddies. Played football, Bob was good, I wasn’t. We were only two that took physics in 1966. Tim Rundus was instructor who was going to take us up in his airplane. As a prank (amoung many) we broke into the old hill building and painted “66” in big letters on the roof. We used the wrong color and didn’t show up good on the plane ride. It did show up better on the old water tower. Bob was always thinking up pranks for other people to do. Bob was the mastermind, but if we got in trouble Bob would act like he had nothing to do with it. He was not the angel that the teachers thought he was. But what a great friend.
Went roller skating with Bob and Donna. Tod Bob she was way too young(still in high school). Luckily he ignored my advice and they were married and the rest is history. Will miss you always.
Norm