Stephen R. Koch

Stephen R. Koch, age 76, of rural Beattie, Kansas, passed away on July 4, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

A visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Axtell. A Rosary was prayed at 7:00 p.m. following the visitation.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Axtell. Burial followed in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.

Stephen “Steve” R. Koch was born on September 16, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Leo and Henrietta (Holthaus) Koch. He graduated from Axtell High School in 1967.

Steve proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1969 to 1975. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and began a lifelong career in trucking.

On July 29, 1978, Steve was united in marriage to Joyce Murphy at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell. Together, they made their home in Beattie and were blessed with six children.

Steve worked for the Beattie Farmers Union Co-op and the Studer Truck Line. After retiring from the Co-Op, Steve purchased his own semi and owned and operated his own trucking business, Snipe Creek Transport.

Steve found joy in horses, shooting, Corvettes, and watching westerns. He also had a passion for building and welding. He was always up for a good party and enjoyed celebrating with family and friends. Above all, his greatest happiness came from spending time with his children and grandchildren. He took immense pride in each of his children's accomplishments, and nothing meant more to him than having the entire family together.

Steve was a member of Axtell American Legion Post #214 and the Axtell Knights of Columbus. He also participated in the Pony Express Re-Ride in Seneca.

Preceding him in death are his parents

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; children, Gale (Scott) Buss, Diller, NE, Adam (Tonya) Koch, Bonner Springs, KS, Clint (Katie) Koch, Linwood, KS, Dean (Joni) Koch, Axtell, KS, Jacqueline (fiancé, Chris Brady) Koch, Bonner Springs, KS, and Elizabeth (Josh) Quick, Tonganoxie, KS; grandchildren, Travis and Margaret Eubanks, Kodi and Cash Koch, Henry and Hazel Koch, Wyatt and Lenny Koch, Remi Brady, and Ella and Logan Quick; siblings, Karen (Gayland) Buchele, Julie (Jim) Meyer, Dennis (Jane) Koch, Alan (Emily) Koch, all of Axtell, KS; in-laws, Donna Thoele, Stan (Cindy) Murphy, George (Kathy) Murphy, Nelda (Glenn) Appell, Walter Murphy, and Phillip Murphy.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent in care of Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home, c/o Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.