SANTA CLAUS, Ind. — Phil Koch passed away on Tuesday, April 9, at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Ind.

Koch was President and CEO of HO HO HOldings LLC in Santa Claus, the parent company of Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, Santa Claus Christmas Store, Kringle Place Shopping Center and Santa’s Land LLC. He was chairman of the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration committee, and a member of the Sons of the American Legion in Santa Claus, Dusty Trails Saddle Club, Southern Indiana Horseman’s Club, the Spencer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds, the Indiana Recreation Vehicle Indiana Council and the Indiana Campground Owners Association. The town of Santa Claus slogan, America’s Christmas Hometown, was one of Philip’s many ideas.

Phil Koch, the son of Bill and Pat Koch of Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari, was born and raised in Santa Claus, Ind., He attended Heritage Hills High School in Lincoln City, Indiana, graduating in 1983. Then attended Purdue University and graduated in 1988 with a BS in Business Administration and Management. Koch is survived by his wife, Carol and two children, Alexa and Logan. He is also survived by his mother, Pat, and siblings Kristi, Dan, and Natalie.

Visitation will be held at Saint Nicholas Church in Santa Claus, Indiana, on Thursday, April 11, from 2–8 p.m., CDT, and also from 9 a.m. until service time on Friday. Koch’s funeral is set for Friday, April 12, at 10 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, as per Philip’s wishes, please make all donations to the Santa Claus Museum. The family will create an antique historical train room in his honor.

• «Previous Post
• Next Post »

---