Kevin Joseph Koch

Mar 15, 2024 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2024 | 9 comments

Kevin Joseph Koch, 68, of Kansas City, Missouri, died on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

He was born in St. Louis, MO in 1955 to Paul Bernard Koch and Challen Margaret Koch. Kevin attended McClure North High School where he was a trumpeter in the band, as well as a tennis and soccer player. He was accepted into UMKC’s rigorous 6-year Medical Program for a combined undergraduate and graduate degree. He completed his residency at Michigan State and started practicing as a full-time doctor at Hinsdale Hospital outside Chicago, IL. While working at Hinsdale, Kevin lived in downtown Chicago where he met the love of his life, Ada Murray. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married in March 1986 at St. Vincent DePaul Church. Their daughter, Megan, was born a year later, and the family of three moved to Mission Hills, KS in 1989. Daughter, Gwen, and son, RJ, were born in 1990 and 1991.

Kevin served as the Director of the Emergency Department at Shawnee Mission Medical Center (now: Advent Health). During his nearly 40-year career in emergency medicine, he also served as President of the medical staff, Chair of the Department, and acted as a Johnson County Coroner. Kevin found solace and fulfillment in helping others, caring for the sick, and treating the wounded. He retired in 2019.

Outside of practicing medicine, Kevin was a devoted father and loving husband. He had a love of classic cars, notably, multiple Corvairs that he restored, and his prized Nissan Figaro. He was a competitive cyclist, a triathlete, a runner, and tennis player. He found strength and comfort in his faith and was an active member of the Catholic Church. Kevin had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel to new and familiar places, especially Pacific Grove, CA, the Jack’s Fork River area of The Ozarks, and Bethany Beach, DE. Together with his son RJ, he boldly accomplished the MR340 canoe race (the world’s longest non-stop river race) and also biked across the state of Missouri with his daughter, Megan. His love of scouting was continued by his son with Troop 91 in Kansas City. Kevin was also an avid supporter of the arts with his artist wife, Ada.
Kevin’s dedication to his family and friends never wavered. Known for his generous nature, he had a talent for entertaining and storytelling. His friends and family hold precious memories of cocktail hours and dinners filled with Kevin’s vivid and engaging stories that made everyone smile.

Kevin will always be remembered for his warmth, kindness, curiosity, humor, and loving nature. We couldn’t have asked for a better father, husband, sibling, son, grandfather, and friend. Kevin will be missed every day, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. Now, it is upon all of us to let him be with us on another level.

Kevin was preceded in death by his Father, Paul B. Koch, and is survived by his wife, Ada, daughters Megan (Eric Schraedley) and Gwen (Alex Pickett), son, RJ, granddaughter, Birdie, mother, Challen, as well as his brother, Paul, and sisters, Kathryn and Caroline.

A funeral mass will be held at Visitation Church (5141 Main St. Kansas City, MO) on Wednesday, March 20th at 10:30 am followed by a luncheon at the church. A private family graveside service will be held. All are invited to a Celebration of Life event on Wednesday evening, 3/20, from 6-8 pm at Leedy-Voulkos Art Center (2012 Baltimore Ave., KCMO).

In lieu of flowers, the family is grateful for a donation to:
The Friends of Bunker Hill
PO Box 458
Columbia, MO 65205
bunkerhillretreat.com
Or
The Corvair Preservation Foundation
PO Box 68
Long Lake, MN 55356

Please include “In memory of Kevin Koch” on the check or online donation form so the family may express gratitude for your gift.

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Lawrence Schnellmann

2 years ago

I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sure Kevin is an inspiration to so many. And will be remembered for his generous and contributions to everyone.

Keyna Chertoff

2 years ago

I am very sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. Ada, please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your family. He was a funny, lovely person.

Jim Borthwick

2 years ago

As a former neighbor of Kevin’s, I can heartily affirm the description of Kevin’s personality described in the obituary. He became a good friend and was always a good neighbor. He frequently asked us to try out the beers that he brewed in his basement. It was fun to be around him because he enjoyed life so much and had so many interests that conversation was always easy and pleasant.

Erica Bush

2 years ago

I remember Dr. Koch from my days working at SMMC. He was wonderful to work with and highly thought of by patients and co-workers. Condolences to his family.

Carol Fischer

2 years ago

I was a high school friend of Kevin. I remember him with fondness, he was always kind and had a wonderful sense of humor. My condolences to his family, I hope they find peace. Safe journey Kevin.

Mike Koclanes

2 years ago

I have known Kevin 59 years, we were boyhood neighbors and classmates, through grade school, middle school, and high school. Though our professional paths moved us apart, we always stayed in contact and both my wife and I visited Kevin and Ada over the past year as Kevin bravely fought this illness. Kevin was always so genuinely interested in what was happening in your life. He was kind, intelligent, articulate, and compassionate. This world has lost a great human being but we will meet this kindred soul once again, God Bless you Kevin, and our condolences to the whole Koch family.

Dana Snyder

2 years ago

I was also fortunate to work with Dr. Koch. Our workday seemed easier when he was there. I still smile when recalling his “horns in the bay!” story. He was humble, kind and handled often difficult situations with grace. Comfort and blessings to his family.

Kimberly Schlichter, MD

2 years ago

I am so sorry to read of Kevin’s passing. I remember when he started in the ER at SMMC. As I was on staff as an ob-gyn I interacted with him fairly frequently. I was always comfortable my patients were getting the best of care when he was in charge. He truly was a great person. My condolences to all his family and friends.

Charlie Podrebarac

2 years ago

Belated Condolences to the entire Koch family. We heard about Kevin’s passing late and were sorry to miss the service. We’ve known Kevin (and Ada) for many years mostly through Woodside (Kevin had almost perfect daily attendance), the many art gatherings and even from Kevin consoling our family at the SM emergency room. Kevin was such a renaissance Man and just a sweet guy all around . He will be missed and blessings to Ada, Megan, Gwen and RJ.

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