John R. Koch

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of John R. Koch, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and dear friend to many. John passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026, after a brave and valiant battle with brain cancer at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House with family at his side.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Interment will be at Moline Memorial Park. Memorials may be made out to the family to be used to support his legacy around mentorship in engineering.

John was born on December 11, 1979, in Arlington Heights, IL, the son of William and Dawne (Douglas) Koch. He fell in love and married Jennifer Welvaert in Monterey, CA on June 21, 2012. John enjoyed a long and meaningful career at HNI Workplace Furnishings, starting as an intern in engineering in 2001 working his way up to Vice President of Product Development at the time of his passing. He volunteered with the Quad City Engineering and Science Council many years and served as president the last two years.

John was an amazing person, loving husband and father, and exceptional leader. He loved planning road trips that included hitting as many National Parks as possible, camping at Devil’s Lake State Park, and solving escape rooms with his family, and building sets from the Lego Architecture Series. John was known for being down to earth, practical, and a loyal friend. He made the best fluffy golden pancakes, mashed potatoes for every holiday meal, and all the fixin’s for New Year’s and Superbowl celebrations.

Survivors include his wife, Jennifer Welvaert-Koch; children, Alexander Welvaert, Eva Koch, and Adeline Koch of Moline, IL; parents Dawne and William Koch of Palatine, IL; mother-in-law, Mona Welvaert of Silvis, IL; father-in-law and step-mother Robert and Carol Welvaert of Moline, IL; sister Karrie (Eric) Buckman of Ballwin, MO; brother Bill (Jill) Koch of Excelsior, MN as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Helen Koch, and Robert and Beverly Douglas, cousins, Wayne Koch Jr. and L.J. Marak.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.