Michael Dean Koch

Michael D. Koch, 56, of Eustis was drafted to play shortstop at God's ball field early on April 8, 2019 after a long battle with cancer.

Mike was born in Cozad, NE on October 31, 1962, the youngest of six children of Carl W. and Lieta (Weber) Koch. He was raised in Eustis and attended Eustis Public Schools. In 1990 he married Lisa Debban of Elwood, NE and loved her son, Dustin as his own. The two welcomed their own son, Dylan, in 1991.

Mike joined the Eustis Volunteer Fire Department in December of 1983, beginning a long career of selfless service to his community. He completed training as an Emergency Medical Technician in April of 1984 and became a member of the Eustis Rescue Squad. He served as Chief of that department for many years while continuing to serve as a firefighter until April of 2001 and then again from May of 2007 until his death. During his over three decades of service, he held numerous offices and served as a leader and mentor to those around him.

Mike worked several jobs before he started working for the Village of Eustis, a job he enjoyed and which filled him with pride in his community. For over 25 years he cared for the community both at work and during his time off, frequently volunteering his time to complete local projects or help his neighbors. Additionally, he coached throughout his life, including baseball, softball, basketball and football for various age groups. He could frequently be found grilling, baking cookies or making Sunday breakfast for friends and family while listening to his favorite music, which brought him tremendous joy.

Waiting for him in the stands are his parents, Carl and Lieta, his grandparents, sister-in-law Patty Koch, many aunts, uncles, and cousins and many close friends. His beloved Saint Bernard, Lou, is waiting patiently behind the outfield fence to fetch Mike's home runs.

He leaves his companion of five years, Shari Rosno, who remained by his side throughout his battle with cancer, his sons, Dylan Koch of Virginia Beach, VA and Dustin Gleason, Dustin’s wife, Leticia, and their children Leni, Harper and Jude, of Firth, NE, his brothers Randall, Kenneth and Robert and his sisters Bev (Bob Gundell) Koch and Betty (Don) Taul, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Memorials are suggested to the Eustis Volunteer Fire Department, Eustis Rescue Squad, Central Plains Home Health and Hospice, and St. John’s Lutheran Church. Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2019 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Eustis with Vicar Kathy Gundell officiating. Cremation was chosen. There will be no visitation. Inurnment will follow at East Cemetery in Eustis. Berryman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.