John Koch ’50

Dr. John Koch ’50, physician and Cornell life trustee, died on Aug. 15. He was 87.

Koch served as a Navy radioman in the Pacific Theater, graduated with a degree in biology from Cornell College, and earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa in 1954. Koch formed a partnership with Dr. John R. Huey in 1959 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The practiced flourished, leading to further alliances and, ultimately, the formation of the Physicians Clinic of Iowa. Koch served as president of the Iowa Orthopaedic Society, initiated the Orthopaedic Assistant training program, was president of Crippled Children and Adults Society, initiated the Emergency Medical Technician and ambulance service in Cedar Rapids, and led intern training for both Cedar Rapids hospitals. Koch is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Charlotte Cummings Koch ’50, his brother, Richard Koch ’51, his son, John Koch ’77, three daughters, and eight grandchildren including Valerie Koch ’08. His father was Walton Koch, a Cornell physical education instructor and coach from 1941–51.