Norman J. Koch, 95, of Merrill, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at Aspirus Merrill Hospital. Born on July 15, 1930, in Merrill to Norman R. and Edna (Secard) Koch. After graduating from Merrill High School, he studied drafting at vocational school, eventually dedicating 33 years to sales with Church Mutual Insurance. He married the love of his life, Rita Steinfest, on June 28, 1952, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bloomville. Together, they created countless memories dancing the night away at local halls, where they loved to polka, fox trot, jitterbug, and waltz. They also enjoyed getting out on their motorcycle rides with friends in their younger days. Rita, a cherished partner, passed away just three years prior, on May 24, 2023.
Norman was known for his generous spirit, often bringing home treats from work trips—whether it was a candy bar or a dress for his daughters. Through his sales with Church Mutual, he was awarded many trips. He loved to take Rita on these trips, exploring beautiful destinations like Hawaii, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Florida. Norman enjoyed hunting in Colorado for elk and locally for whitetail with his sons. He enjoyed fishing and golfing in his earlier years too. Norman took pride in working on cars, tackling construction projects, and crafting cabinetry with precision. His love for Western books and movies reflected his adventurous spirit.
Survivors include his children, Steve Koch of Merrill, Cheryl (Ryan) Plautz of Merrill, David (Lisa) Koch of Wausau, and Dawn (Steve) Hintze of Merrill; grandchildren, Ashley (Steven) Sanford, Andrew (Amber) Plautz, Jacob (Olivia) Hintze, Ben Hintze, and Kaitlin Koch; great-grandchildren, Sebastian and Stella Sanford, Aidan, Addison, and Anderson Plautz, Avery, Chase, and Jonah Hintze, and Blade and Rhett Hintze; and siblings, Tom (Jean) Koch of Virginia, Jerry (Joan) Koch of Merrill, and Kathleen Paral of Green Bay.
Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Koch; parents, Norman and Edna Koch; brother, Richard Koch; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Katherine Steinfest; and brother-in-law, Eugene Steinfest.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, June 1, 2026, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 903 E. Third St., Merrill. Rev. Greg Laska will officiate. Entombment will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Mausoleum. The visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Monday at the funeral home.
Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com
