About Us
About Our Funeral Home and Our Commitment to You
A Legacy of Service
David Hammond Koch, Jr., the patriarch of the Koch family, was born in 1918 in Canton, Ohio. As a teenager growing up in Waynesburg, he began helping at the funeral home across from his house—a part-time job that marked the start of a lifelong calling. After finishing high school, David trained at The Cleveland College of Embalming, becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He completed his apprenticeship and worked at a funeral home in Kent, Ohio, before answering the call to serve during World War II.
As a medic with the 76th General Hospital in the European Theatre, David provided care through the end of the war. His dedication earned him three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart.
When the war ended, David returned to Northeast Ohio and served at funeral homes in Cleveland, Kent, Canton, and Ravenna. While working in Ravenna during the 1940s, he met Sarah Ferrell, who was attending Kent State University and living at the same funeral home. They married and eventually moved to Sarah’s hometown of Freeport, Ohio. In 1965, they purchased the former McCoy Funeral Home, opening the first Koch Funeral Home. David and Sarah worked side by side there for 15 years until David’s passing in 1980.
Their eldest son, John, and his wife, Donna K. Koch, carried on the tradition, purchasing the Freeport location in 1983. They continue to serve families there today.
David and Sarah’s younger son, Asher “Pete,” and his wife, Sheila, expanded the business in 1995 with a new location in Scio, Ohio.
The third generation followed in 2012, when Mitchell Koch, along with his siblings Angela Smith and Jacob & Amanda Koch, acquired the former Gowins Funeral Home in Gnadenhutten. Now part of Koch Funeral Home LLC, the site has been extensively renovated into a modern, state-of-the-art facility, with a grand opening planned soon. Even as updates continue, the team remains ready to serve families with the same dedication.
Together, these milestones reflect more than 50 years of Koch Funeral Home service—and over 80 years of funeral care within the Koch family. We’re honored to share the same values of compassion, hard work, and excellence that David and Sarah began so many years ago.
Continuing the Tradition
At Koch Funeral Home, we aim to help families create meaningful, personal tributes for their loved ones. Our goal is to support you through one of life’s most challenging moments while exceeding expectations with thoughtful care.
We take pride in offering the highest standard of service, dedicating our time and attention to every family we meet. Our commitment to the community drives us to keep our facilities and offerings current, reflecting the latest trends in funeral service.
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out. We are here to guide and support you whenever you need us.
