Spencer Lee Koch was born March 11, 1947 to Bill and Bette Ann Koch. He lived in Everett, Washington and St. Joseph, Missouri, joining the Navy in 1966 and serving proudly until 1970. In 1968, while serving on the USS Hancock and stationed in San Francisco, he met his future wife, Stephanie Toste. They were married and lived their early years of marriage in San Jose where their sons Steven and Sheldon were born. In 1977 they moved to Ferndale to raise their family and later had their third child, Sherman.

Spence worked for AT&T for over 43 years, retiring in 2013. He had become an expert in fiber-optic communication and was well respected by his co-workers for his knowledge and willingness to help them solve their problems with technology.

He was very active in the Scouting program serving as Cub Master and Scout Master for several years. He truly enjoyed the weekend camping expeditions and helping all the boys earn their merit badges. He coached Pop Warner football and loved watching all sporting events that his sons participated in.

He decided that he wanted to serve his community by becoming a licensed Ham Radio operator and spent many hours volunteering his time to ensure communication amongst agencies during an event was maintained. He truly loved talking with folks all over the world.

Spencer was a member of Kenneth Rasmussen VFW Post 6353 for over 20 years. He served as Quartermaster and Commander. He took great pride in serving his country and participating in activities sponsored by the VFW.

He was preceded in death by both his mother (Bette Ann) and father (Bill Koch), brother Stanley Koch, niece Jessica Toste, brother-in-law Pete Toste, niece Michelle Koch Hardy, and his son Sheldon Koch.

Spencer is survived by Stephanie, his wife of 52 years, sons Steven and Sherman (Priscilla), daughter-in-law Sarah Koch-Schaapveld, grandchildren Scout, Rocco, Rubylove and Cash Koch, brother Scott Koch (Sheila), brothers-in-law Mike, Ken and George (Tina) Toste, sister-in-law Rebecca Koch, nieces Lindsey Scampini Melanie Magdaleno and Kayla Koch and nephews Tyler Toste and Ian Koch.

Friends are invited to celebrate Spencer’s life on Sunday October 23, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at Ferndale Community Church 712 Main Street Ferndale, followed by a luncheon reception at the Portuguese Hall on Ocean Avenue in Ferndale.

If you wish to contribute in memorial for Spence, please donate to VFW Kenneth Rasmussen Post 6353, PO Box 624 Ferndale 95536 or to Ferndale Community Church PO Box 1273 Ferndale 95536.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Spencer Koch’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.