William A. (Tony) Kovaleski, 68, of Decatur passed away at his residence on December 27, 2010.
A service to celebrate Tony’s life will be 11:00 AM Thursday December 30, 2010 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Wednesday December 29, 2010 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Dawson & Wikoff West Wood St. Funeral Home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com
Memorials are suggested to Cancer Care Center of Decatur or LSA
Tony was born on September 16, 1942 in Herrin, IL, the son of Nick and Evelyn (Williams) Kovaleski. He married Deborah A. Trimmer on October 21, 1977. Tony was a Staff Engineer for Mitsubishi and a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. William was a member of the International Club Makers Guild and a member of the Boy Scouts of America. Tony loved golfing and was a certified golf club maker; he was an avid traveler and foodie.
Tony is survived by his wife Deborah; sons: Scott Kovaleski and wife Karen of San Francisco, CA., and Todd Kovaleski and wife Courtney of Belvidere, IL.; daughter Kate Kovaleski of Aurora, IL.; two grandsons Andrew and Nicholas.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gregory Totel and staff, Dr. Thomas Fulbright, and everyone at the Cancer Care Center of Decatur.
They also want to express their gratitude to family and friends for their loving prayers and support.
Dawson & Wikoff West Wood St. Funeral Home
“A Life Celebration Home”
Latest Memories
Tony-
Miss your smile and abilty to 'work' all things swim club. You were an inspiration to all of us.
As we have run into each other over the years, I had no idea what was happening to your body; you carried the pain well. Best wishes to your family and especially Katie who we enjoyed so much at meets.
Steve, Trish, Stephanie, Matt & Mike Miller
Latest Condolences
| Hans Family |
Friends |
December 31, 2010 |
Dear Katie,
Thinking of you and your family. We remember your dad's beautiful smile and friendly manner.
| Sandy Albert |
Deepest Sympathy |
December 30, 2010 |
Debbie and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. Over the years, we have lost touch but at times like this just know I wish I were there to give you a hug and let you know I care. Call me if you need to talk. I would love to hear from you and be there for you.
Love
Sandy
| Bill Unzicker |
We miss Big T. |
December 30, 2010 |
Kovaleski's: You know I would be there if I could. I am recovering from an appondectomy and still under Dr.'s care!
Our contact began with DSC, through school, band with Patti and on...............
He was born four year before me in the Herrin hospital!
His care for the Salukis (original trainer of the mascoty?)was one that always interested me!
His work for the club, the Mr. Fix-it and go getter made working with him so much fun!
I'll also miss the golf time we had.
He is healed, getting heaven straightend out as engineers do, and playing the Eternal Eighteen!
Love to all and our prayers and thoughts are there (and so is Bill, I hope.) Love ya'
| A. Bardeleben |
Mr. B. |
December 29, 2010 |
I am sorry for your loss. I enjoyed seeing Tony at church because he always had something to say that gave me a smile. May the peace that we have in Jesus fill you at this time.
| Dede Lingle Ittner and husband |
One of "Doc's Boys" |
December 29, 2010 |
What a joy it was to meet Tony and his family at our Pyramid Picture event at SIU. I could almost feel my Dad's presence.
How proud he was of ALL the fellows he coached at SINU/SIU and fondly referred to them as "His Boys'
Tony's courage and determination represented the what Dad called "the stuff MEN are made of".
When Dad left us in 1964, our pastor read a portion of a wonderful poem. It spoke of the "The Race Well Run"
Tony certainly showed us all that even the final "race" can be graciously and courageously "run".
We send Saluki pride, comfort and HUGS to each of you close to him! Dede
