In loving memory of
Marek Koch
March 6, 1948 - September 1, 2021
Marek Koch passed away Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at the age of 73 after a lengthy battle with illness.
Born March 6, 1948, in Poland, Marek Koch was the son of Pawel and Helen Koch. He spent his childhood in Poland attending school and learning to love soccer from his father, who had been a professional soccer player. When he was 10 years old, Marek immigrated to the United States and settled in Queens, New York. He had to learn a new language, new customs, and a new country. He quickly figured out the best way to connect with others was by excelling in sports as well as competing in chess. In the summer of 1968, while working as a camp counselor in the Poconos, he met a beautiful girl that would later become his wife. Marek married Jayne Dickstein in June of 1972 on Long Island, New York.
Shortly after high school, Marek took a part-time job in the baggage room at Lufthansa Airlines in New York. He would go on to spend the next 41 years advancing in the company, utilizing his incredible people skills as the DFW Station Manager, until his retirement in 2010. Marek loved his job and was so proud of the Lufthansa crew and culture that he created.
Marek loved his family and was a supportive and generous husband to his wife Jayne. He was a beloved father to his two daughters, Michelle Miller and her husband John of San Antonio and Jackie Rennie and her husband Jason of Dallas. He was a cherished "Dziadziu" to his four grandchildren Allison, Jacob, Matthew, and Cole. He was a brother, an uncle, and a treasured friend to so many.
Marek was a remarkable fighter, never allowing his health issues to stop him. He was happiest when playing games and puzzles with his grandchildren. He loved to collect coins and stamps, play crossword puzzles, compete in computer chess, do needlepoint, and dabble in the market.
He will be most fondly remembered for his joke telling (both appropriate and inappropriate) that he had categorized for every occasion. Marek was one of a kind and anyone that met him will never forget him.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 8 at Roselawn Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marek's memory may be made to The Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation.