Robert Alan Koch

Robert “Cooker” Alan Koch, 73, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at Jefferson Community Health and Life, surrounded by family and friends, following a brief battle with cancer.

Robert was born on January 9, 1953, to Harlin and Velma (Bohlmeyer) Koch at Fairbury Lynch Hospital in Fairbury, Nebraska. He was baptized on February 15, 1953, and confirmed in 1967 as a member of the American Lutheran Church.

After graduating from Fairbury Junior-Senior High School in 1971, Cooker began working at Endicott Clay Products. He later found an opportunity in road construction, traveling throughout the United States, and always made a point to bring home a small trinket from each place he visited. Wanting to stay closer to home, he eventually went to work at Exmark in Beatrice, where he remained until retiring in 2010.

Cooker was known as a helpful and dependable neighbor, especially when it came to lawn care. He was also skilled in woodworking and carpentry, creating many pieces and completing precise framing projects. A man of few words, he found great enjoyment in quietly working on his personal, hand-crafted railroad. His love of trains was nearly matched by his love for animals. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his beloved animals over the years and taking them for rides in his red Dodge Ram.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harlin and Velma (Bohlmeyer) Koch.

He is survived by four granddaughters, three great-grandchildren, his beloved dog, Abby, his best friend of 73 years, Tim Dux, and numerous cousins.

A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, February 25th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, February 26th at 1:00 pm at Fairbury Cemetery. Memorials are designated to the family's choice.