John Michael Koch

The family of John Michael Koch is saddened to announce his passing on May 21, 2026 at the age of 67.

John Michael Koch, lovingly remembered for his gentle spirit and quiet strength, passed away on May 21, 2026, at the age of 67. Born on October 20, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan, John lived a life filled with hard-earned wisdom, deep faith, creativity, and compassion for others.

He leaves behind his daughters, Maryellen (Bob) Stroshine and Kayla Page; his grandsons, Bobby Stroshine and Jacob Stroshine; as well as many nieces and nephews, especially Tony and Brian, who held a special place in his heart. John was the son of the late Alvin Henry Koch and Lu Grace Chenoweth. He grew up alongside his siblings Jimmy, Scott, Tim, Colleen, and Debbie, all of whom preceded him in death.

A proud veteran, John served in the United States Navy twice, an experience that remained one of the greatest sources of pride throughout his life. He loved sharing stories from his time aboard ship and cherished the comradery he formed with his Navy brothers, especially his dear friend Chuck. During his assignments John worked as a cook, though he often laughed about being told he “wasn’t much of a cook,” which eventually landed him on coffee duty instead.

Though small in stature, John was truly “small but mighty.” He was deeply passionate about martial arts and became a black belt and master in Kung Fu. Inspired by Bruce Lee, John began training at just 14 years old and spent much of his life dedicated to the discipline and philosophy of martial arts. He proudly knew every pressure point and carried himself with quiet confidence, only using his skills when necessary. He was soft spoken, but as many would say, he “talked softly, but carried a big stick.”

John was creative at heart. Drawing brought him peace, and his artwork remained important throughout his life. From little scraps of paper to whole pieces of art, he always had an image of something meaningful etched. John earned two degrees in art and found joy in expressing himself creatively. He loved all kinds of music, especially classic rock, gospel, and his absolute favorite — Mexican music, which could often be heard playing nearby.

Life was not always easy for John. He lived through many hardships and carried the weight of difficult experiences throughout the years. He was open about the fact that he was not perfect and had his share of struggles and vices, but those who truly knew him also knew the depth of his relationship with Jesus, his loyalty, and the kindness he extended to others without hesitation. Faith became central to who he was. He loved praying for his family and friends, caring deeply about the salvation and well-being of those he loved. He wanted everyone to know Jesus and often spoke from a place of sincere concern and love for others.

Despite all he had endured in life, kindness was a pillar of his life, extending grace to everyone he met. He had a gentle way about him that made people feel seen and accepted. John truly was everyone’s friend. John also had a tender heart for the forgotten and less fortunate. He looked after people who needed help and was especially wonderful to Dave, whom he cared for in recent years. His compassion extended beyond people to animals as well. He faithfully fed the neighborhood animals- squirrels, possums, and stray dogs and cats. There was never a soul he wouldn’t defend fiercely if a reasonable solution could not be found.

John found joy in life’s simple comforts. He loved any meal prepared by Maryellen and could never resist a batch of air-fried French fries. Some of his happiest moments were spent talking, laughing, and reminiscing with family and friends about cherished memories from years gone by. In the evenings, he found peace sitting outside, quietly enjoying the fresh night air. His sense of humor about life’s moments, both big and small, never left him.

His presence will be missed tremendously, but the lessons he taught, the kindness he showed, the hugs he gave, and the love he gave so freely will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

John had his own unique way of saying goodbye because he never really liked the word. So instead, we leave you with the thoughtful image of John’s hazel eyes and his signature farewells: “You stay safe” and “Chow Bambino.”

Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Evangelist Baptist Church in Melvindale.

Funeral Service will begin at 6:30 p.m.