Leslie “Les” Koch

TOLEDO-Leslie Robert “Les” Koch, 80, of Toledo, passed away Friday, January 24, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tama with Pastor Warren Riley officiating. A Private Family Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 3-7 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama.

Leslie was born on June 28, 1944, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Henry and Melva (Schaff) Koch.

In 1962, he graduated from North Scott High School in Eldridge. He received his BA and Masters Degrees from the University of Northern Iowa where he also played football. His team was later inducted into the UNI Hall of Fame.

On June 4, 1967, he was united in marriage to Trudy Lantau in Eldridge, Iowa. Les started as a Physical Education teacher in 1967 at South Tama, and then was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War receiving the Bronze Star Medal. After his service, he returned to South Tama as a PE teacher and coach. Les was then hired as an Assistant Principal and then Principal at the Middle School. He spent thirty-five years in the school district.

Les was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tama, was an original member of the Dollars for Scholars, STC Booster Club, and the Tama-Toledo Country Club. He was formerly on the Tama-Toledo pool board, and very active in his community. Les enjoyed golfing, and all sports rooting for all Iowa teams. He was an avid hunter, and especially trips involving his dogs. His greatest joy was his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of fifty-seven years, Trudy of Toledo; his children, Nicky (Darin) Knapp of Minneapolis, MN, Clint (Suzanne) Koch of Clive, and Ally (Sheridan) Billhorn of Wilton; grandchildren, Jordan and Hunter Knapp, Zoey Koch, Drake, Taylor and Finley Billhorn; two brothers, Eldon Koch of Maquoketa, and Rick Koch of Davenport; two sisters, Marsha (Gene) McClintock of Perry, and Debbie (Ken) Kahrs of Norwalk; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Earl and Myra Lantau; and sister-in-law, Ellen Koch.

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church, South Tama County Scholarship Foundation, Toledo Public Library, or STC Food Pantry.