William "Bill" Koch

Bill Koch was born on December 25, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan the son of Donald and Harriet (Banfill) Koch and passed away in Lansing on November 15, 2014 at the age of 59. He spent his younger years in Detroit until his father moved the family to St. Clair Shores when he was 12. He graduated from Servite High School in 1973. At the age of 19, Bill was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma and was given 6 months to live. But God had other plans for him. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from MSU in 1976 and continued to work in the family printing business, managing College Print and Copy in East Lansing. His life took a sudden turn and he joined AA in 1987. He studied Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling at Western Michigan University and worked as a therapist for Horizon Center (Lansing General Hospital) for many years. He was a gifted lecturer and speaker and he touched the lives of many people in treatment and the AA community. While working there he met his wife, Debbie, and they married on Valentines Day, 1994. Over the last 15 years he battled several illnesses which limited his ability to travel, but he still maintained a deep interest in history and politics and enjoyed many hobbies, music, playing his guitar, photography, watch and rare coin collecting and computers. He was also an avid Red Wings and Spartan fan. Bill was a true animal lover and had several pets, most recently Max and Marley who he loved to spoil. He even taught them the Spartan Fight Song and they would come running when he would loudly sing the opening refrain. We will miss his gift for storytelling and his wonderful offbeat sense of humor. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved sister, Janet Maier; and his uncle and namesake, William Banfill. Surviving to cherish his memory, are his wife, Deborah (Douglass) Koch; brothers, Martin (Joanne) and Tim Koch; sisters, Kathy (Tom) Palazzolo, Julie (John) Doyle, and Lori Koch; brother-in-law, Thomas Maier; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM on Wednesday November 19, 2014 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. The family will receive friends from 3:00~9:00 PM on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at the funeral home and from 1:00~4:00 PM prior to the service on Wednesday. The family would like to thank Dr. Douglas VanderJagt and his assistant, Tina, for the many years of care and kindness shown to Bill. We also thank the physicians and nursing staff at Sparrow Hospital for their outstanding care.

For those desiring, contributions may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous, 1915 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912 or Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906 in memory of Bill. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.