Harlan James Koca, Age: 89
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Sep 07, 1930---Mar 10, 2020

 

 

 

Harlan James Koca, 89, of Mission, Kansas passed away Tuesday March 10, 2020.  Harlan was born September 7, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois the son of William Koca and Gertrude Werner and was raised by Hermina Koca (stepmother).  He grew up in the suburbs of Brookfield and LaGrange where he ran track in high school at Lyons Township H.S. Harlan attend General Motors Institute (now Kettering Institute) in Flint, Michigan to study engineering, and graduated from Northern Illinois University.  He obtained both a bachelors and master’s degree in math education.  He later earned a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Illinois.

 

He served in the United States Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean War.  He then taught mathematics at Lyons Township High School before becoming an assistant professor at Washburn University in Topeka, KS.  Harlan retired after 29 years in the mathematics department.   He was a member of the Mathematical Association of America and the Topeka Area Teachers of Mathematics

 

Harlan was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Mission, KS and enjoyed sports, dinner theater, classical music, traveling to the National Parks, and old movies.  He had a keen sense of humor and gave of his time by volunteering at church activities and Blessings Abound Thrift Shop. 

 

Harlan is survived by his wife of 60 years Kathryn Koca (Vagts), Russell Koca (son), Carolyn Koca Marney (daughter), Randall Koca (son) and seven grandchildren - Haleigh, Madison, Mallory, Mitchell and Morgan Koca, and Logan and Alexa Marney.

 

Funeral Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church 5601 W. 62nd Street, Mission, KS.  Visitation at 9:30 and service at 10:30.  Burial at Mount Hope Cemetery Topeka, KS approximately 1:30pm.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances may be made to either:

 

Trinity Lutheran Church Foundation

 

https://tlcms.org/give/

 

Contact Foundation President rex@tlcms.org

Washburn University Mathematics Department

 

Harlan & Kathryn Koca Tutoring Fund

 

Fund Code 3850

 

https://www.wualumni.org/givenow

 

Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Morgan Hall, Room 250
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

 

 

 

 


Condolences

Cindee Christensen-Williams Mar 12, 2020

Classmate of Randy ,Topeka ,Kansas

I was sorry to read of your fathers passing in the paper. Just wanted to reach out and let you know you and your family are in my prayers. Sincerely, Cindee Christensen Williams

Pam Ensley Mar 12, 2020

Former WU student, 1970 ,Topeka ,Kansas

As an insecure 1970 freshman math student, Mr. Koca always accommodated time for my many requests for help. His classes were always laced with humor. Condolences for his family.

Robert parman Mar 12, 2020

Friend ,Topeka ,Kansas

Good memories and blessings to all of you. Bob Parman

Dan & Janine Bedora Mar 12, 2020

Friends of Russ & Traci Koca

Our condolences to the family. We pray for peace and healing.

Nancy Kranzow Mar 19, 2020

Long ago student ,Denver

I was an algebra student of “Mr. Koca’s” in my freshman year at Lyons Township HS in 1956. I’m not even certain why I remember his name—but I do. I remember that, when I had a coughing spell during a test, he let me step out of the classroom and let me stay overtime in order to finish the test. I’m Now reading a book that mentioned Rene Descarte. That triggered a memory of a joke he told—something about the horse being before Descarte. I then googled Harlan Koca and learned he had recently passed away. I’m now 77 and am amazed I remember this. So, just thought I’d let you know that his kindness and humor have stayed with me these many years. So sorry for your loss.

Services

Event:
Funeral Service
Location:
Trinity Lutheran Church
Address:
5601 West 62nd Street
City:
Mission
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66202
Date:
Mar 13, 2020
Time:
10:30 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Event:
Visitation
Location:
Trinity Lutheran Church
Address:
5601 West 62nd Street
City:
Mission
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66202
Date:
Mar 13, 2020
Time:
9:30 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map