Darlyne Koch

Darlyne Schaff Koch, 87, passed away January 13, 2025, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A Memorial Mass and Service is planned for June 20, 2025, at the Church of St. Joseph in Mandan, North Dakota followed by Interment Services at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.

Darlyne was born June 17, 1937, to Michael and Katherine Schaff in Burt, North Dakota. She graduated from Mandan High School in 1955, married Charles Koch in 1960 at St. Joseph’s Church in Mandan and they made their first home at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. They lived in Washington, D.C., Laramie, WY, Bismarck, ND and Cheyenne, WY before moving back to Bismarck, ND in 1982. Mom worked for the University of Mary library until she and Dad retired in 1992. 

Upon retirement, Mom managed to convince our father to sell their home and most belongings and buy an RV to tour the country full time. They traveled the United States and Canada before settling permanently at the Cocopah RV and Golf Resort in Yuma, AZ in 2004 for reasons only they understood. They made many friends there and Mom continued to live in Cocopah after Dad passed away in 2018. She loved her bridge groups and was always on the lookout for more days to play. She was an avid and accomplished needleworker, book lover, and crossword puzzle solver. Much to the relief of her children, Mom moved to Pointe Frontier Senior Living Center in Cheyenne, WY in 2024 where she continued to be active, play bridge and make friends. 

Darlyne is survived by daughter, Carol Sue (JP) Lanham, Irvine, CA; sons Charlie Koch, Lakewood, CO, Tommy (Lisa) Koch, Morrison, CO and Dave Koch, Altadena, CA; grandchildren Katie Rouw, Kelsey, Zac and Libby Koch, Skye, Cheyenne, Connor and Rose Koch and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by husband, Charles, parents Michael and Katherine, and brothers Will, Jerry, and Mike. In lieu of flowers please hug your family and tell them you love them; you never know when it will be the last time. Memorials are preferred to University of Mary Foundation, Bismarck, ND or Meals on Wheels of Cheyenne, Cheyenne, WY.