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Katherine Milda Braun Koch, “Kae,” was born Sept. 17, 1943, in Ritzville, Washington, and entered into rest Dec. 30, 2025, in Chehalis, Washington. Kae was the middle child of Aaron and Florence Braun.
Kae graduated from Ritzville High School in 1961 and attended Central Washington College for two years. She then went to beauty school in Spokane. After receiving her license, she returned to Ritzville and operated her beauty salon for six years. She sold her salon, moved to Spokane, and taught the art of wig making at Spokane Community College.
In 1971, Kae married Harold Koch, and in 1973, she started working for Weyerhaeuser. She retired after 35 years in 2008.
After retirement, Kae and Harold traveled extensively, enjoying many cruises and train rides until Harold’s death in 2021.
Kae is survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her two brothers, Dale and David; and niece, Angie.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Zion Philadelphia Church.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances of Kae may be made to Heather Cox for the Haley Tribe Scholarship Fund, 120 Leudinghaus Road, Chehalis, Washington, 98532. Condolences may be left at www.danekasfh.com
