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Obituary For Holiday World Owner

Last updated on Monday, June 14, 2010

(SANTA CLAUS, IN) - Holiday World is mourning the sudden loss of its owner Will Koch, who passed away Sunday evening.

Koch died at home of what the family believes to be complications from diabetes.

He was 48.

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari will be open today and will continue to be owned and operated by his family.

Under his direction for 20 years, Koch is credited with the aggressive growth of the southern Indiana park that included the addition of Splashin' Safari water park in 1993, the Raven and the Legend wooden roller coasters in 1995 and 2000, plus the Voyage wooden coaster in 2006, for which he was a designer.

Each year since 2006, annual seasonal attendance at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari has topped one million visitors.

Koch is survived by his wife, Lori, and three children.

He is also survived by his mother, Pat, and several siblings.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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