peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Wednesday, October 9, 2019.
Denny was born and raised in Hermann. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1955 on his
18th birthday and was honorably discharged in 1961. Denny married Frances Mary Buecker on
May 28, 1960, and they raised their two daughters, Michele and Jan, in Bellefontaine
Neighbors, MO, where they resided until 2002. Denny held several supervisory positions in the
automotive manufacturing industry retiring from A.O. Smith/Tower Automotive in 1999. He
and Fran returned to Hermann where Denny, always curious as to the goings on in town, could
often be seen out and about chatting with friends, acquaintances, and visitors. He leaves behind
many friends in both St. Louis and Hermann.
Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin William and Olivia Mary, nee Lampkin,
Koch; two grandsons, Matthew Dennis Schlemer and J. Luke Graser; a sister, Marlene Lalk;
and a brother, Donald Koch.
He is survived by his beloved bride of 59 years, Frances Mary, nee Buecker, Koch;
two daughters (lovingly referred to as Beautiful Daughters 1 and 2),
Michele (James) Graser of Fairview Heights, IL,
and Jan Schlemer of St. Louis, MO;
a son-in-law, Rusty Schlemer of Saint Clair Shores, MI;
five grandchildren, Neil (Jenna) Graser, Jon Graser, Jenny Graser,
Katie (Jacques) Mayeux, and Ryan Schlemer;
three great-grandchildren, Jolie, James, and Julia Graser;
a sister-in-law, Donna Koch;
a niece and nephews;
and cousins.
Memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) or to the
Hermann Fire Department. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at
www.rennerfh.com.
According to Denny’s wishes, his remains were donated to the Gift Body Program at Saint
Louis University. Private family services will be held at a later date.