Rev. Dr. Paul F. Koch

Rev. Dr. Paul Frederick Koch

May 28, 1943 – November 16, 2025

Rev. Dr. Paul Frederick Koch, age 82, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025, after briefly residing at Discovery Commons Assisted Living Facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

A Life in Ministry

Paul heard the call to ministry at a young age, finding in the church a place of love, belonging, and purpose. His early leadership in youth activities inspired him to pursue ordination in the Lutheran Church, where he understood ministry not as a profession, but as a lifelong commitment to serving God by serving others.

He received an associate’s degree from Concordia Junior College in Bronxville, NY and a bachelor’s degree fromConcordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, IN, which prepared him for ministry. During his studies, Paul spent a year as a youth leader at St. John the Evangelist Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, NY, an experience that deepened his passion for urban ministry, social justice, and walking beside those the world often overlooks. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary in St. Louis in 1970 and a Doctor of Divinity from The Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago in 2003.

Dedicated Service

Paul’s first call as an ordained pastor was to Transfiguration Lutheran Church, an African American congregation on the north side of St. Louis. It was here that his ministry became inseparable from his commitment to racial equity, social ministry, and proclaiming a Gospel that demands justice and compassion. He followed this call wherever it led him, serving at Grace Lutheran Church in Detroit and later as Executive Director of Black Hawk Lutheran Ministry in Waterloo, Iowa, where he coordinated social service and anti-poverty efforts among local congregations and community partners.

In every setting, Paul believed the church existed not just to preach the Gospel, but to embody it through social ministries, community outreach, and advocating for those whose voices were ignored. He was known for exceptional preaching, proclaiming that every person is created in the image of God and belongs in the body of Christ, without exception.

In 1989, Paul returned to urban ministry as pastor of Ebenezer Lutheran Church on Chicago’s north side, faithfully serving there for 20 years. Under his leadership, the congregation deepened its commitment to neighborhood outreach, community partnerships, and service to marginalized populations. Retiring in 2009, Paul and his wife Sharon moved to Pittsburgh, PA to be closer to their children. Paul continued to minister through Pittsburgh Lutheran United Ministries (PLUM), preaching and providing pastoral care across ten congregations throughout the region. Retirement did not diminish his sense of calling; it simply widened the community he served.

A Heart for the Holy Land

Paul’s friend and brother-in-law, Rev. Donald Hinchey, introduced him to the churches of the Holy Land. What began as a tour became a lifelong connection. Deeply moved by the faith, resilience, and struggles of Palestinian Christians, Paul felt called to stand alongside communities experiencing injustice and conflict. He undertook a six-week immersion in Bethlehem and later led multiple pilgrimages to the region, helping others understand the lived realities of Lutheran ministries dedicated to peace, dignity, and hope.

Whether in Chicago or Bethlehem, Paul’s ministry was rooted in the same conviction: faith must show up in the world, especially where people are hurting.

A Life Well-Loved

Outside his ministry, Paul found joy in biking Pennsylvania’s trails, creating beautiful stained-glass art for friends and family,and sharing his love of the arts. He especially enjoyed attending opera and theater performances, finding inspiration and beauty in live performance and music. His favorite place of peace was by the brook at the mountain cabin of his son Philip and daughter-in-law Deanna in Accident, Maryland. In the later years of his retirement, Paul authored a memoir, “Marching into Life” recounting the challenges and joys of his life’s journey.

In 2015, Paul was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He faced this challenge with courage, grace, and humor. He became an active member of the Parkinson’s community through exercise classes, boxing, and support groups, forming deep and lasting friendships along the way.

Paul was born on May 28, 1943, in Mt. Vernon, New York, to Dorothy Mae Koch (née St. Ormond) and Julius Frederick Koch. In 1969, he married Sharon (née Hinchey) Koch, andtogether they shared 56 years of love, laughter, and companionship. Paul found strength and comfort in Sharon’s steadfast love, and he was immensely proud of their two sons, Jeremy, whose exceptional musical talent brought him great joy, and Philip, whose work toward social justice and community leadership reflected the heart of his father’s values.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sharon; his sons Jeremy (Molly Orlando) and Philip (Deanna Soltis); and his cherished grandchildren Caley, Samuel, Benjamin, Giovanni, Julian, and Luca. He also leaves behind his sisters Patricia Giustra and Pamela Calman, along with his nieces and nephew.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Discovery Commons for their exceptional care, compassion, and kindness shown to Paul during his final months.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 10:00am at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 304 Morewood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, followed by a memorial service honoring Rev. Dr.Paul Koch at 11:00am in the sanctuary. The Koch family is hosting a luncheon at 1:00pm at Square Cafe, 134 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15206. Please RSVP using This link or email: revkochfamily@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

• St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA

304 Morewood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213

• Bright Stars of Bethlehem

P.O. Box 771055, Chicago, IL 60677-1055

• Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Chicago, IL

1650 W. Foster Ave., Chicago,