The Koch family released a statement today mourning Duane L. Koch, 60, who passed away on Friday, after a brief illness.

The Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Koch's Turkey Farms, Duane led the antibiotic-free and organic turkey company and was highly respected for his expertise in live operations. He was with the company throughout his life and shared a true passion for the business.

Duane L. Koch: Duane L. Koch, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, of Middleport, was a 1974 graduate of Tamaqua Area High School.

He was a member of Lone Pine Fish Club of Middleport, where he appreciated the camaraderie and trout fishing of the club. As an avid angler, he was also passionate about fishing for walleye while vacationing in Quebec. A lifelong automobile enthusiast, Duane was a member of the Schuylkill Valley Corvette Club, and had just finished restoring his classic 1970 Corvette. Duane was also a talented chef and enjoyed cooking delicious meals for family and friends.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 8, at 11 a.m. from the funeral home, Pastor Joshua Ott to officiate.

Friends shall be received on Friday evening at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m.., and on the morning of services from 10 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. Memorials in his honor to: Lone Pine Fish Club In care of "Duane Koch Memorial" and mailed to: attn: Colleen Shevokas 11 Moss Glenn Road Brockton, Pennsylvania 17925 For the construction of a lasting memorial, or Tamaqua/Carbon American Cancer Society 101 West Frack Street Frackville, Pennsylvania 17931.

Online condolences may be made to the family at

www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com.Complete obituary to appear in Wednesday editions.