[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 88 (Monday, June 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF WILL KOCH

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                           HON. BARON P. HILL

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 14, 2010

  Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, on June 13, 2010, the CEO of Koch 
Development Corporation, Will Koch, sadly passed away at the age of 
forty eight. As co-owner of Holiday World and Splashin' Safari Water 
Park, Koch initiated programs that led to the expansion and growth of 
the park, and worked diligently to provide families with the most 
enjoyable experience during his twenty-year tenure. Koch's dedication 
and passion for the park inspired everyone around him on a daily basis.
  Born and raised in Santa Claus, Indiana, Will Koch graduated as 
valedictorian from Heritage Hills High School in 1979. From there, he 
went on to the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated in 1984 
with honors and received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Electrical 
Engineering. He also received a Master's of Science in Computer Science 
degree from the University of Southern California in 1986.
  Under Koch, Holiday World and Splashin' Safari received many 
international awards and had attendance figures topping one million per 
year. In 2004, Will Koch received the international Applause Award from 
the amusement industry for his ``foresight and originality, as well as 
sound business development and profitability''.
  Koch was also an active member of his community, serving as the 
president of the Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association, which successfully 
reopened the Lincoln Amphitheatre in 2009. He also served on the 
Administrative Council of the Santa Claus United Methodist Church, 
where he and his family were active members.
  Holiday World and Splashin' Safari is the cornerstone of the Spencer 
County community, and its success is in large part due to Will Koch's 
dedication and hard work. Survived by his wife, Lori, and three 
children, Will's legacy will continue to live on. We are grateful for 
his contributions to southern Indiana and our condolences go out to the 
Koch family.

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