N MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.
Bob Hoch
A celebration of life for Robert “Bob” Wharton Hoch, who passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, June 8, 2024, after a brief illness, is planned for Old Settlers weekend.
A family graveside service will be conducted at Marion’s Highland Cemetery.
Bob was born Jan. 1, 1948, in Marion to Wharton and Nadine (Noll) Hoch. He was raised in rural Marion at Marion County Lake.
Some of the best summers of his childhood were spent with his Noll grandparents, who owned and farmed a stretch of land along the Cottonwood River north of Florence.
Many summers were spent fishing and helping on the farm, driving an old John Deere.
He also spent a lot of time at the Marion County Record, learning alongside his father, Wharton.
In fourth grade, Bob was hand-setting type. In seventh grade, he was running a Linotype and presses.
A lot of learning came from those years as a fourth-generation printer and newspaperman — knowledge that he passed on to his son, Robert II.
Bob graduated from Marion High School in 1966 and went on to study at Wichita State University, receiving a degree in journalism and a minor in computer science.
It was while attending WSU that he met the love of his life, Donna Armstrong. The couple celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary earlier this year.
Bob went to work for the Wichita Eagle in 1971 as a Linotype operator.
As technology changed and the newspaper became more computerized, Bob became the technology manager. He played a key role in implementing and keeping systems and computers at the Eagle running smoothly.
He retired from the Eagle in 2013 after 42 years but couldn’t stay away long. He continued as a part-time plate maker in composing, where he started.
Bob purchased a new motorcycle and joined the local ROMEO group (Retired Old Motorcyclists Eating Out) and rode many a mile and enjoyed weekly friendship and fellowship at area restaurants.
He also greatly enjoyed photography and competitive target-shooting archery.
Most of all he loved caring for Donna and spending time with his family.
We grieve mightily for a man who was a talented printer; plainspoken, honest and humble down to his last “two cents worth of advice”; a loving, loyal, caretaker husband; an encouraging father; a proud grandfather; a true friend; and a tremendously adored son — all of which gave him such a strong foundation for life.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard Hoch, and sister-in law, Nancy DeLong Hoch.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; son Robert W. Hoch II (and wife Francesca) of Newton; daughter Adrienne Anderson (and husband Robert) of Wichita; sister Beverly Hoch (and husband Mike Steinel) of Denton, Texas; brothers Jim Hoch (and wife Cindy) of Warrenville, Illinois, and William Hoch (and wife Alix) of Aspen, Colorado; sister-in-law Beth Young of Mulvane; grandchildren Rebekah Sauerwein (and husband Everett) and Sarah Gronau of Newton and Lauren and Robert Anderson of Wichita.
Bob also had many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caring Hands Humane Society in Newton in care of Downing and Lahey Mortuary.
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