Peter M. Koch, 51, of Baileyville, KS, died Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Pete was born September 9, 1956, the son of Sylvester and Dorothy Mae Mergenmeier Koch. He attended school in Baileyville and graduated from B&B in 1975. After graduation, he helped on the family farm, as well as assisting local neighbors with their chores. He was later employed by Glen L. Rusche Plumbing and Excavating in Seneca, Charles Louiseau Construction in Frankfort, and CW Mills in Sabetha. Due to poor health, Pete was forced to retire early. However, not being one to sit still, he took up woodworking and flower gardening to occupy his time. Pete never met a stranger and enjoyed visiting with neighbors and friends.

On May 23, 1980, he married Diana Morrison in Seneca; they later divorced. In August of 1990 he married Allisa Taylor in White Cloud; they later divorced.

In his youth, Pete enjoyed riding across the open plains on his Harley Davidson motorcycle, even traveling more than once for the reknowned motorcycle rally at Sturgis.

Pete was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville and the A-Bate 11 Motorcycle Club. Even as his health deteriorated he never felt sorry for himself, donating intricate woodworking items for local fundraisers, and cherishing time with his grandchildren.

Pete leaves behind his mother Dottie; four sons, Randy, Sam, Justin, and ET (Edward), all of Baileyville; four brothers, Nick of Cheraw, CO, Jerry, Charles, Greg (“Beaver”), and Tom (“Bones”), all of Baileyville; six sisters, Deb Warchuck of Ruth, MI, Annette Wietharn of Overland Park, Mary Wietharn of St. Marys, Elizabeth Stallbaumer of Axtell, Rosalie Haverkamp of Seneca, and Stella Reeder of Baileyville; eight grandchildren, Riley, Ashton, Shane, Jordon, Kolby, Preston, Adrianna, and Mason; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Sylvester, on March 16, 1970, and a nephew, Jeremiah Haverkamp, on May 3, 1987.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 AM Saturday, February 16, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baileyville. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Friday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.