Charles Eldon "Chuck" Koch

Charles Eldon “Chuck” Koch, a teacher for 30 years at Natural Bridge High School and Rockbridge County High School, passed away on Monday, May 30, 2022, at age 72. He was a longtime resident of Rockbridge County and had recently moved to Salem. Chuck is the son of Dorothy Lee Koch and Hank Koch (deceased) of Virginia Beach. Also surviving are his wife, Carol, of Salem; son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Sally Koch, of Charlottesville; sister Jan Gisonde and husband Lee; brother Barry Koch and wife Diane; brothers- and sisters-in-law Jack and Barbara Bailey, Joanne and Glenn Thornhill, Bill and Kate Bailey, Mary Anne and Steve Purves, Mike and Susan Bailey, and many loved nieces and nephews.

Chuck loved everything about Natural Bridge and Rockbridge County from the moment he visited from Virginia Beach for a teaching interview. He was passionate about hunting and fishing, the beautiful mountains, and the people of the community. Many of his students became lifelong friends. Following his retirement from education, Chuck started a flooring business, which he ran until 2015.

Visitation will take place from 3-5 pm, followed by a public memorial service at 5 pm, at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem, VA, on Thursday, June 2.