Merlon Robert ‘Skip’ Koch, age 85, of North Platte, NE, passed away at home on Friday, May 13, 2016.

Skip was born at home in Hershey, NE, on March 13, 1931, to Frank Jacob and Emma ‘Hazel’ Barnett Koch. Skip grew up on the family farm southwest of Hershey and graduated from Sutherland High School. In 1954 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served overseas.

In November 1954 Skip married Mary Ann Morton in North Platte and by 1955 they were living in Germany where their boys were born. Following his discharge, the family returned to the family farm outside Hershey. Skip farmed with his dad for several years before going to work at Nebraska Machinery for a while. He later worked for the Pawnee Springs Ranch, Apple Computers where he sold computers, and for Region 13 Health Services as an accountant until he retired.

Skip moved to Montana for several years to live with his son, Rusty, before returning to North Platte. He was a member of the Hershey United Methodist Church and P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion.

Survivors include his sons, Rusty (Lori) Koch, of Seymour, MO, and Bob (Karen) Koch, of Hershey and their mother, Mary Ann, of North Platte; his special Montana friend, Edith Wark; four grandchildren, Kip Koch, Travis (Kara) Koch, Traci (Brad) Coonts and Morgan (Kris) Talbott; eight great-grandchildren, Caleb, Allison, David, Alexa, Devin, Ellie, Desiree and Robbie; a brother, Stuart Koch, of North Platte; sisters, Shirley Brownfield, of Hershey, Frances Jorgenson, of Denver, CO, Ruth (Bob) Brown, of North Platte; sister-in-law, Mae Koch, of Hershey; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

Skip was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Hazel; brother, Wayne Koch; sister, Margaret Ramsey Parker; and brothers-in-law, Bill Brownfield and Dave Jorgenson.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 10 a.m. Friday, May 20, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Job Vigil officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Lamont Cemetery in Hershey. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements.