Remembering tourism leader Will Koch

The town of Santa Claus and surrounding community have lost a wonderful man. The death of Will Koch was announced earlier this week to the shock of all who knew him. Will Koch was many great things to so many people. In addition to leading Holiday World & Splashin' Safari into a rising success for the past 20 years, Will was an advocate for the whole community. A true believer in the area and what it has to offer travelers, Will always supported the Lincoln history and magical spirit of Christmas.

As president of the Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association, Will played an integral role to bring the Lincoln Amphitheatre to life in 2009. Will was a Lincoln enthusiast and very involved in educating the public on Lincoln's history in Spencer County. The 2010 season of LINCOLN will be dedicated to the legacy of Will Koch.

During the infancy of the Spencer County Tourism Commission, Will Koch donated office space for the Visitors Bureau from 1998 — 2007 in order to help the local tourism industry grow. Furthermore, Will was instrumental in the Highway 231 coalition. He helped the process of getting the road rebuilt in Spencer County and into Dubois County. Will was also an activist in linking our area to the new I-69 near Crane.

Earlier this year, Will participated in the strategic visioning sessions for tourism in Spencer County. Will was more than just a supporter of the tourism industry, his vision helped create the destination we have to offer families today.

Family Fun extends from Holiday World & Splashin' Safari into the community and county-wide attractions because of the initiative from Will Koch.