Denise Rita Koch, 56, of Seneca, passed away on January 30, 2026, at Life Care Center in Seneca, where she had been a resident since January 10, 2020.

Denise was born on June 8, 1969, in Seneca, the daughter of Regis and Alice Mueting Koch. She grew up just west of Seneca and attended Seneca Public Schools and later Nemaha Valley High School, graduating in 1988.

After graduating, Denise helped her parents with their family business, Koch Catering Service. She was also employed at the Nemaha County Training Center in Seneca, where she operated the steam iron for the tablecloths and napkins that were rented out. In addition, she cleaned the Rainbow Communication’s office and the Seneca City Hall.

Denise truly loved going to work and seeing her friends, and she took great pride in having a “real job.” She was a ray of sunshine who always had a smile on her face and loved listening to music. She especially enjoyed grocery shopping, talking with everyone she met, and carrying her big bag filled with her purchases. Her favorite color was blue, and she loved drawing pictures in her spare time.

She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Denise had many interests throughout her life, bingo, bowling, movies, and dances with her friends from the Training Center. She enjoyed eating out and she loved her Dr. Pepper.  The highlight for her attending the Sts. Peter and Paul Labor Day Picnic, was winning a cake, at the cake walk.  She enjoyed traveling by bus to Nashville, the Great Lakes, Branson, Concordia to visit the nuns, viewing Christmas lights in Kansas City, and attending dinner theater in Kansas City.

Denise was preceded in death by her father, Regis Koch, on December 6, 1997; her brother-in-law, Pat Laha; her sister-in-law, Carole Koch; and her grandparents.

She is survived by her mother, Alice Koch of Seneca; her siblings, Jim Koch of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Jo Ann Laha of Topeka, Larry Koch of Seneca, Linda Koch of Seneca, and Mary (Ray) Schmitz of Baileyville; as well as her nieces and nephews.

A Rosary will be prayed at 2 PM on Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 PM on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will follow in the church cemetery next to her father, Regis.

Memorial contributions in Denise’s memory may be made to Nemaha County Training Center, now Best Life of Seneca, and sent in care of the family.