So sorry to hear about Mr Koch's passing. I had him as a teacher for music at Independence High School back in the late 70's/early 80's. He was such a kind man with a gentle, sweet spirit. I know a lot of kids have him a hard time but he just took it in stride and very humble. Prayers go out to all of his family and friends. 🙏

I am so very sorry to hear the news of Lyle's passing.   While at Glendale High School I gave him many challenges, he also challenged
me in so many positive ways.   It has taken me 50 years to realize this.
He was such a great role model for so many.   Thank you Lyle for your
devotion and integrity.   It is rare these day.  You will be forever cherished and missed.   
Tracy Williams


I heard of Lyle's passing belatedly, but want to share my own memories of a great teacher, and a great man.  I began as a freshman at GHS in 1967, on the clarinet.  Mr. Koch asked me to study the bassoon, as the bassoonist was a senior that year.  So I studied the bassoon, enjoyed it, played in the All-State Orchestra, Phoenix Youth Symphony, and went on to study for a couple of years at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, majoring in bassoon performance.  Lyle Koch was always there as a musical mentor, and was an inspiration not just for myself, but for us all.  I have great memories of playing Beethoven's duets for clarinet and bassoon with Lyle.  It's the greatest of feelings to remember him, and how much he enriched my life as a musician, and, as I now see, as a person.  My best to Pat and the family.  Roger William (Bill) Kaye

He was such a great band teacher! I was a handful at Glendale High! He always had a soft spot for me those 4 years! If he was short a instrument he would give it to me and a book said work hard!He new I got bored easily keep me on my toes! He helped keep me out of trouble!!So sorry to his family for there loss!!!Renee Zahniser 

Many friendships forged through instrumental music programs remain strong to this day, and forty-six years after graduating from Glendale High School, the life lessons learned from Lyle Koch continue to resonate. Although we are old enough now to qualify for Medicare, we friends occasionally feel silly enough to entertain each other by performing our best “Uncle Lyle” impressions. We clear our throats; square our shoulders; assume the most perfect posture possible; take a deep breath; and speaking from the diaphragm whilst lowering the pitch of the voice; channel the spirit of Mr. Koch and recite advice that improved our lives, “If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late.” Before each performance, we were reminded of the importance of self-discipline, “Don’t wiggle! Don’t scratch! Don’t wave to your mother!” 

Lyle taught us more than music. I am punctual, and I am able to calm myself and be still. He deserves credit for helping me become a better person. 

Students don’t usually have first hand knowledge of our teachers’ private lives but two things about my band teacher seemed  likely to me. He had a strong military vibe, either Marine or Air Force, I guessed. There was no need to guess about his faith.  Lyle Koch was a man of God. It was never part of the actual discussion but his Christian faith was obvious. 

Dear Koch family,

My son and I know of Lyle through Kathy, who's been our physical therapist for years. We've heard some wonderful stories about Lyle and the impact he had. From those stories, we wish we did know him!  The paragraphs above, written of him, don't capture an entire life that was well lived...but the words that are written to describe a tiny piece of who Lyle is are beautiful. 

We are sorry for the earthly loss of your husband, father, father in law, grandpa, uncle, and friend. Our prayers are with you.

Sincerely,
Andrea Duerkop 

OBITUARY

Lyle Eugene Koch

August 3, 1937 – June 5, 2022

Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary

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