Mitchell LeRoy Koch, 77, Ruthville and formerly of New Leipzig died on Saturday, June 14, 2014 in his home.

Mitchell was born on September 14, 1936, in Elgin, ND, to John and Lydia (Kramer) Koch. He was reared and educated in New Leipzig, ND, graduated from New Leipzig High School in 1954 and attended Dickinson State College. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1956 and was stationed at Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas and Eighth Army Headquarters in Seoul, Korea. Following his honorable discharge in 1958, Mitchell attended Interstate Business College - Fargo for two years where he received specialized training in accounting which led to his employment as a bookkeeper at Western Auto Parts- Fargo.

Mitchell moved to Minot in September of 1963 when he began his career with the US Air Force as a civilian employee in the Accounting and Finance Office prior to transferring to the Budget Office in 1971. His career with the U.S. Air Force continued until his retirement in March of 2001.

Mitchell was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Minot where he served as financial secretary, trustee for six years and as an usher for 32 years. He was an active member of the Hooterville Lions Club since 1975 and served in various offices of the club. Mitchell also served on the Board of Directors for District 5NC and the Lions Foundation of ND. He participated in many activities of the Lions Club such as food drives, Salvations Army bell ringing; pancake and sausage brunches, and delivering eye corneas from Minot to the Eye Bank in Bismarck. Also, he was a member and past vice president of (NARFE) National Association for Retired Federal Employees.

Mitchell is survived by his sisters: Carol Saville, Mandan, ND, and Joanne (Keith) Saville, Grafton, ND; several nieces and nephews: Michael (Dawn) Saville, Kristen Saville, Bryan (Tracy) Saville, Loralie (Brandon) Hoechst, Tracy (Michael) Huska, Amy (Michael) Lindgren and Brad (Holly) Saville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers: Stanley and Lester and brother-in-law Dwight Saville.

Celebration of the Life of Mitchell Koch: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in First Baptist Church, Minot.
Interment: North Dakota Veterans Cemetery - rural Mandan.
Visitation: Monday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Hooterville Lions Club or First Baptist Church - Minot.