Charles “Charlie” Joseph Hoch
1959 - 2022
Charles “Charlie” Joseph Hoch passed away Thursday, September 29, 2022, in Topeka, Kansas, at the age of 63.
He was born January 20, 1959, in Wilson, Kansas, to Rudy and Violette (Lank) Hoch. Charlie married Melanie Ann McComb on August 1, 1981, in Stockton, Kansas. They enjoyed 41 years of fun and adventure together.
Charlie grew up in Wilson and graduated from Wilson High School in 1977. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education from Fort Hays State University in 1981. He taught Industrial Arts, Technology Education, and Drivers Education at Royal Valley High School in Hoyt, Kansas, from 1982-2013, retiring after 31 years of service. He was also a high school track coach many of those years. After retiring from teaching, Charlie started a handyman service putting to use his woodworking and general “fix-it” skills. It was said by many that Charlie could fix anything, and he took pride in the quality of his work and being able to help others. He was always willing to lend a helping hand when needed.
Charlie had a passion for British sports cars. He was a founding member of the Topeka British Car Club and served as the club’s president for many years. He and Melanie enjoyed several adventurous trips across the U.S. in their Triumph Spitfire and MGA. He was also a member of the Lake Sherwood Sailing Club where he enjoyed competing in the sailing races. He also enjoyed boating, fishing, and entertaining friends and family on the lake. Charlie had quite an interest in black powder shooting and target shooting. He participated in competition shooting and was skilled in hitting the bullseye. Some of Charlie’s best memories were made during the many vacations he and Melanie took together. Some of their favorite places to travel were Colorado, the gulf coast of Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Melanie, of Topeka; sisters, Toni (Mike) Pflughoeft of Ellsworth, and Sydney (Bill) Connelly of Kingman, Arizona; brothers, Joe (Linda) Hoch of Des Moines, Iowa, and John (DeAnne) Hoch of Wilson; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudy and Violette Hoch.
Family will greet friends at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 6th, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614, where Celebration of Life will be at 3 p.m. Friends are invited to gather following the celebration at the Lake Sherwood Clubhouse, 6910 SW Fountaindale Road, Topeka KS 66614. An inurnment of ashes at Wilson Cemetery, Wilson, will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.
