Robert D. Koch, 87, (CMSGT, USAF, RET) of Peru, passed away at 9:05 PM, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Blair Ridge Health Campus. He was born in La Porte, IN, on September 15, 1937, the son of William F. and Alberdine Baird Koch. Bob married Sheila Baier at Offutt Air Force Base on August 13, 1960, and she survives. Bob spent 26 years on active duty in the US Air Force and retired as a Command Sergeant Major in 1983. His military decorations include Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award. He also retired from Prudential Insurance. Bob was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church, and an avid sports enthusiast. He was a fast-pitch catcher, refereed high school basketball and umpired high school baseball. He enjoyed watching the Chicago White Sox, Notre Dame Football and IU Basketball. Bob treasured time on the golf course and took many golf trips with his friends. In addition to his wife Sheila, he is survived by a daughter Karla Sroufe and her husband Scott of Akron, Indiana; a son Robert of Peru; a son-in-law Troy Draughn of Mt. Pleasant, NC; grandchildren Matthew Sroufe and his wife Miranda, Brock Sroufe and his wife Mariah, and Meghan Herbert and her husband Richard; great-grandchildren Ellie Herbert, Cayson Herbert, Vanessa Sroufe, Lydia Sroufe, Elsie Sroufe, and Colleen Sroufe; and a sister Shirley Truhn and her husband Ray of Galien, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Kimberly Draughn, and a sister Janice Broda. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Robert D. Koch will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, May 19, 2025, at the St. Charles Catholic Church, 58 W 5th St. Peru, with Father Micheal Block officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Miami County Military Rites Unit. Burial will be in the Marion National Cemetery. Family and friends will gather from 2:00 – 5:00 PM, Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W Main St. Peru. There will be a prayer service at 5:00 PM, Sunday, at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be through the funeral home to Miami County Helping Hands.