Mark Alan Koch

Mark Koch, 55, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on September 5, 2023, after a courageous three-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer.  He was a loving husband, caring father, and loyal friend.  Mark was born in Warren, Ohio on June 27,1968, to his beloved parents, Mark and Cookie Koch. He grew up in Brookfield, Ohio and, after graduating from Brookfield High School in 1986, he went on to study Education at The Ohio State University where he graduated in 1990.

After graduating, Mark moved to the Seattle area to pursue his career in teaching.  He started his teaching career at Sumner High School in 1992 where he met his future wife, Mary Jo.  They were married in 1994 and went on to have two beautiful daughters, Jordan and Taylor.  

Mark spent five years as a teacher and then moved over to the administration side of education.  Mark went to work for the Tahoma School District in 1999 as an assistant principal and worked his way up to the Director of Human Resources.  He was the HR Director for the Tahoma School District since 2011 until he had to take medical leave for his cancer.  Mark was known as being a fair and dedicated administrator who put the needs of students above all else.  When making decisions in his work life, he would always ask the question, “What is best for kids?”  

In his free time, Mark enjoyed refereeing football at a variety of different levels.  His football officiating began in 1985 while he was still in high school.  He worked his way up from high school officiating to college officiating.  Mark enjoyed his time on the field, but it was the time he spent with the other members of his crew that he really cherished.  He loved football season and was known as being the “go to” man for any and all questions relating to the rules.  

Above all else, Mark enjoyed spending time with his family.  Whether it was hiking with Jordan or walking the golf course with Taylor, he loved spending time with his girls. Mark loved family vacations and was known to pack those days full of activities. He made the most of every day and lived life to its fullest.  He loved living in the Pacific Northwest and enjoyed hiking and camping. Mark passed this love for the outdoors onto his children.

Mark is survived by his wife of 29 years, Mary Jo Koch of Puyallup, Washington, daughter, Jordan Cochran, son-in-law Logan Cochran, and daughter Taylor Koch.  Mark is also survived by his parents, Mark and Cookie Koch from Brookfield, Ohio and his sister, Tammy Koch who lives in Chesapeake, Virginia with her daughter, Sasha.

Services will be held on Thursday, September 14th at 4PM at Holy Disciples Catholic Church in Puyallup with a reception to follow at Emerald Ridge High School.  Private viewing is available at Powers Funeral Home in Puyallup on Wednesday, September 13th between 10AM and 4PM or at Holy Disciples one hour prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA. Using the link provided below, please choose “Brain Cancer Research Fund” in the “Direct My Gift” menu.

http://bit.ly/markkoch

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