John E Kochvar

WESTVILLE - John E. Kochvar, 85, of Westville, passed away at 10:12 a.m. Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center, Danville. He was born Oct 2, 1928, in Westville, the son of John G. and Elizabeth (Imro) Kochvar. He is survived by: a brother, Richard (Sandy) Kochvar of Danville; his dear friend and life companion, Elaine Strako of Westville; a nephew, Kevin Kochvar of Milford, Mich.; two nieces, Kimberly Cole of Columbus, Ind., and Kelly (Corey) Kochvar-Schneeman of Hebron, Ky.; three great-nephews, Tyler and Aidan Cole and Tristan Kochvar Schneeman; one great-niece, Kinsey Kochvar. He was preceded in death by his parents. He graduated from Westville High School in 1946 and then joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He graduated from Illinois College in 1953 and received a bachelor of arts degree and excelled in football for four years. He was a manager for U.S. Steel Corporation (supply division) in Chicago, Milwaukee, Indianapolis and St. Louis. He retired to his hometown in Westville. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westville and the American Legion Post 51 in Westville. He enjoyed wine making, mushroom hunting, fishing and sports, especially the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. He will be sincerely missed by his family and friends, and his dear friend and life companion, Elaine Strako. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, June 2, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westville with Father Timothy Sauppe officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 pm Sunday, June 1 at Sunset Urbas Funeral Home in Westville with a Rosary Service at 3:00 pm. John will be laid to rest in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Westville with Military Honors by Westville American Legion Post 51. Memorial donations may be made in Johns name to St. Marys Catholic Church.