William "Bill" Richard Koch, known also as "Red", age 87, of Norton Shores, formerly of Hart, passed away Saturday, December 23, 2023, at his home. He was born November 26, 1936, in Chicago, the son of William P. and Margaret (Freideck) Koch.

Bill retired in 1992 after 37 years of service with General Motors in Chicago. Bill had various interests, including fishing, hunting, and woodworking. Bill was also an animal lover; he and his wife, Cindy, rescued an injured female Merlin Hawk while living in Hart, and continued to visit "Miss Merlin" at the sanctuary.

Bill also enjoyed sports, primarily golf, whether it was playing or watching on television, but he did enjoy bowling, and was on a men's bowling league in his younger years. Bill loved youth sports, which included attending his children and grandchildren's sporting events, such as cross country, track and field, and soccer, and previously coached baseball and softball.

On April 16, 1994, Bill married Cynthia (Anderson) Koch, and she survives him, along with his daughter, Beth Koch; sons, Eric Youngstrom and Jeff Youngstrom; and grandchildren, William Schlaack, Emma JoAnn Jeffries, and Gunnar Youngstrom.

Bill was preceded in death by: his parents; first wife, Josephine Koch; sister, Judy Frain; and brother, Tim Koch.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 North 72nd Avenue, Hart, MI 49420.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill's name to your local animal shelter.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com