LTC Fredric B. Koch, (Retired)

Frederic Barto Koch, 83, of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, his mother’s birthday at Masonic Village, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on April 28, 1942, in Allentown, PA, Fred was the son of the late Judge Kenneth H. and Annabelle (Barto) Koch. From his earliest days, he was shaped by a strong sense of family, faith, service, and community that guided his life for more than eight decades.

Fred graduated from Allentown High School in 1960 and from Gettysburg College in 1964. A proud Eagle Scout since 1958, he carried the values of Scouting: integrity, leadership, and service throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Fred’s memory to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service and care for others.

Fred dedicated much of his career to serving his country and his community. He retired from the U.S. Army as Lt. Colonel Frederic B. Koch (Ret.) after a distinguished career with the 213th Regiment. His 28 year service included time in Korea, and he remained deeply connected to his fellow servicemen through the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.

Alongside his military career, Fred built a long and successful professional life in real estate and insurance. He worked with Singer Hacker Realtors, William H. Hacker Co. Insurance Company, Pratt White Company Realtors, Arbor Insurance Group, and CM Stauffer Insurance Agency, retiring in 2009.

Faith and fellowship were central to Fred’s life. He was a member of Sell Chapel in Elizabethtown and a longtime member of Christ Lutheran Church in Allentown. His life was also richly defined by his deep involvement in Masonic organizations. Over the years, he held many leadership roles, including a member of Jordan-Martin Lodge #673, Most Excellent High Priest of Jordan Royal Arch Chapter #203, Thrice Illustrious Master of Allen Council #23 Royal & Select Masters, and Grand Tall Cedar of Allentown Forest #41 Tall Cedars of Lebanon, among many others. The friendships and brotherhood he formed through the Masonic life brought him purpose and joy.

Fred will be remembered most of all as a devoted family man. He was the beloved husband of 40 years to Susan Elizabeth Koch, with whom he shared a life of love, laughter, and unwavering support. He was a proud father to Rebecca (Steve) Bumgardner Ritt and Nancy Ann Derby; a loving grandfather to Rachel (Willie) Keith, Sarah (Josh) Snotherly, Emily Bumgardner, Tyler Derby, Nathan Derby, and Brandon Derby; and a delighted great-grandfather to Sawyer and Violet Keith and Cora and Mabel Snotherly. He is also survived by his brother, David (Denise) Koch; nephew, Ian (Alisa) and extended family and friends who will cherish his memory.

Fred’s life was marked by faith, service, humor, and love. He delighted in classical and jazz music, exercising and spending time with his family and his Masonic Brothers. His legacy lives on not only in the many Masonic organizations he helped shape, but in the lives of his family, who will forever be inspired by his example.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at John S. Sell Memorial Chapel, Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 at 12:00 PM. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of service. A Masonic Service will be conducted immediately prior to the memorial service. Interment with Military Honors will take place in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Fred’s memory to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service and care for others. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Elizabethtown.