Obituary of Horst D. Koch

Passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at age 84, after a brief illness. He was predeceased by both parents, his sister and dear friends, Wolfgang Otto, Joe Lobozzo, Joachim (John) and Kay Ritter. He is survived by his sons, Andreas (Paula) Koch and Fred (Marie) Koch. His grandchildren, Jessica (Jeff) Bradway, Amber Koch, Heather (Parminder) Banga and Brandon Roberts. Helmi Schroeder, his longtime companion along with her children, Elka, Heinz (Noreen), Diana (Wade) and Denise and grandchildren, Sonia, Matthew and Danielle. Dear friends, Ursula Thelen and Tony Marino. His brother, Heinz (Johanna) Ortmann and cousins in Germany. And so many other dear friends in the Optics industry and local German community. 

He was born in Berlin, Germany January 1939 and lived through difficult times during and after the Second World War and Berlin Blockade. He began apprenticing in the trade of Industrial Optics when he was 15. He immigrated to the United States in 1964. By 1965 he already started his own business still known to this day as Planar Optics. He was devoted to his work, often calling the "company" his sanctuary. He never retired, working right up till May 26, 2023. He loved to travel, cruises especially. He loved the sea and was an avid boater and sailor. 

Calling hours will be held Friday, June 23rd, from 3-7pm at Falvo Funeral Home (1295 Fpt. Nine Mile Pt. Rd. Webster.)