Ronald William "Ronnie" Koch, of Metropolis died Saturday October 24th at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, KY, at the age of 57. Ronnie had been valiantly battling cancer for three years.A service to celebrate his life will be held Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Stephens Lutheran Church with Pastor Tom Emmerson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.One of three boys, Ronnie and his brothers, Donnie and Warren, formed Koch Brother's Construction in their early twenties. However, Ronnie's true vocation was farming. He was very proud to work the land that had been the family farm since the 1860's. In his late twenties Ronnie returned to farming full-time. As his first son was born, Ronnie earned his degree in nursing and began a career in the Intensive Care Unit at Lourdes Hospital. He would serve as a nurse for over 20 years, earning multiple nursing awards, until his health forced him to quit. In addition to farming and nursing, Ronnie was a dedicated volunteer fireman for the Massac County Fire Department. He and his brother Donnie joined the department in 1984. Ronnie was proud to serve for over 30 years on the department. Even as his health forced him in into a less demanding role, Ronnie continued to serve the department in every way possible. Ronnie touched so many lives with his genuine goodness and a willingness to literally go the extra mile(s) for his friends, co-workers, and even strangers. That love and selflessness was ever present with his pride and joy, his sons Cord and Cameron. Born in 1990 & 1995, the boys were never short of toy tools and tractors. As toddlers they would accompany Ronnie to Smallman's restaurant every morning for coffee, breakfast, and the latest news on community and farming. As the boys began grade school, Ronnie became an avid Jefferson Bobcat Basketball, summer league baseball, and youth league football fan. Helping to sponsor Cord's baseball team, he was a regular in concession stands and crowds in Massac County. His boys cannot recall many games that their father was not present for in throughout youth and high school sports.Perhaps Ronnie's greatest gift to his sons was the example he set as a hard-working, proud man. Ronnie's priorities were simple and true: farming, church, and time with his sons. Ronnie also gave them a bold spirit. Along with his eldest brother Warren, Ronnie endeavored to bring freshwater prawn to the Heartland. As a founding member of the Southern Illinois Prawn Association, Ronnie enjoyed raising, harvesting, and eating his wares for nearly a decade, making lasting friendships along the way.Forever a jovial soul, he was often unable to complete stories due to the fits of laughter inflicted on himself during the telling. He could never be accused of having a lack of tales to tell. Between ICU, firefighting, and the misadventures of a small-time farmer, material was always bountiful.It would be a disservice not to end with Ronnie's endless reserve of humility. Whether saving lives, raising sons, helping friends, or volunteering his time, He never seemed to get his fill of doing for others. No matter what was on his plate personally, a neighbor or friend would always take precedence when in need. This godliest of traits is how he will be remembered by family, friends, coworkers, and the community alike. Let us pause to remember this most selfless of men, and reflect on how we can all become better by the example he has left for those still here.Ronnie is survived by his two sons, Cord Mitchell and Cameron Earl Koch, His twin brother, Donald Koch and wife Kimberly; 3 nieces, Kathye Rose and husband Ricky, Marti Stubblefield and husband Jim and Kristy Stephenson and husband Barry; Two nephews, David Koch and wife Megan and Brian Koch. six great nieces and nephews, Eli and Shelby Rose, Jack and John Stephenson, Davis Bierman and Warren Stubblefield.He was preceded in death by his Parents, Noah E. and Mary Frances (Westerman) Koch; One Brother and sister in Law, Warren Koch and wife Phyllis Lynn; Grandparents, Ernest and Sophia Koch and William and Amanda Westerman, several aunts and uncles.Memorials may be given to the Massac County Fire Dept. for Christmas for Kids or the St. Stephens Lutheran Church; C/O Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home P.O.B. 760 Metropolis, IL 62960Friends may call at the Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home Tuesday Oct. 27, 2015 from 6 until 8 p.m. and Wed. Oct. 28, 2015 at the church from 9 until the funeral hour.Online condolences may be left at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com