Ernest "Ernie" F. Koch

Ernest “Ernie” F. Koch, age 85, of West Bend, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, at Betty’s Harbor Memory Care Unit at New Perspective Senior Living.

He was born on December 28, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Henry and Marianna Koch, who immigrated from Germany. As a teenager, he spent six months traveling through Germany and France with his mother, visiting relatives and strengthening family connections he treasured throughout his life.

Ernie graduated from Rufus King High School in 1959 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1960, serving in the Signal Corps in Orléans, France, where he earned his amateur radio license.

He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 1966. While working for the A.C. Nielsen Company in Fond du Lac, he met Sharlene, whom he married on August 12, 1967. Soon after, they moved to Arizona, where Ernie earned his Master of Foreign Trade degree from the American Institute for Foreign Trade.

Ernie built a long career in the heavy‑equipment manufacturing field, working his way up through materials management and into sales leadership, later concluding his professional life in purchasing at Metso Minerals. In 1970, he and his young family moved to Hamburg, Germany, where he worked for Koehring’s Menck Division. During their years in Germany, Ernie and Sharlene traveled throughout Europe, reconnected with relatives, and shared unforgettable experiences.

The family later settled in Menomonee Falls, where Ernie and Sharlene raised their three children. He was active in the community, served as president of the local swim club, and took great joy in supporting his children’s activities. He also cherished Wisconsin’s Northwoods, spending many childhood summers on Hunter Lake and working at the Gateway Lodge in Land O’ Lakes. His love of radio continued, and he almost always had polka music playing or listening to the Packers, Badgers, and rarely missed a Brewers game.

Following Sharlene’s passing in 2006, Ernie later found companionship and mutual interest in traveling and visiting friends and family with Marie Northy, whom he married in 2010. Marie passed away in April 2025.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Marianna Koch; brothers, Franz and Heinz; sister and best friend, Annegretel; first wife, Sharlene Koch; and second wife, Marie Northy.

He is survived by his children, Kelvin (Amy) Koch of Leander, Texas, Kristana (Mike) Laufenberg of West Bend, and Michael Koch of Milwaukee; his grandchildren, Alex, Lauren, Charles, Elsa, and Stella; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Uecker‑Witt Funeral Home in Fond du Lac. Burial will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff of Betty’s Harbor Memory Care Unit at New Perspective Senior Living, as well as Horizon Hospice, for the exceptional care, dignity, compassion, and comfort they provided during Ernie's final years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to directly to New Perspective in West Bend, Attn: Betty’s Harbor Staff Appreciation Fund.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com