John W. Koval
Age 62, of Dansville, MI, formerly of Clarkston, MI, passed away January 26, 2017. He was born July 31, 1954, in Highland Park, MI, to John and Elsie Koval.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 39 years, Karen Longcore Koval; his two daughters, Julie (Jeffrey) Cassidy and Leah (Rafael Bucio) Koval; and his first grandchild, expected in August. He is also survived by his parents and two siblings.
John was a career firefighter for 30 years in Bloomfield Township. He served on the Clarkston School Board and was the world’s most enthusiastic Band Booster. He was an avid woodworker, who shared his talents with the community.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 29, 2017, at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel, with a luncheon to follow. Please bring your “John Koval” stories to the luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund. Online condolences may be left for his family at www.EstesLeadley.com
23 Messages to “John W. Koval”
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Elizabeth
January 27, 2017 at 7:14 pmKaren, Julie and Leah
You are in my thought and prayers with passing of John. John was a very loving and caring neighbor. Leland and I had the joy of spending time with John when he in installed the wooden trim in our Little Cottage in the Woods.
Kathy Daniels
January 27, 2017 at 11:06 pmKaren, Julie, Leah and family: So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. May you find joy in the fond memories and His peace to get you through the coming days. May you keep his spirit richly in your hearts. Blessings, Kathy Daniels from St. Joseph’s Hospital
Jim and Linda Barry
January 28, 2017 at 1:37 amWe were so hopeful that John would be able to rebound from this unfortunate and latest setback. Our hearts go out to Karen, Julie, and Leah, and to all the Longcores and Kovals. If bad things never happened to the nicest people, then John would be with Karen now, maybe planning a patio pizza party at his amazing outdoor pizza oven – one of his outstanding personally-created “Don’t-try-this-at-home-unless-you’re exceptional” projects. It was one of the best ever, just like John. He and his friendly, folksy, and honest way will be so very missed.
Jim and Linda Barry
Sharon Kennedy Hosea
January 28, 2017 at 8:20 amWith deepest sympathy and love with your loss. He was a truly good man, and he will be missed by all. Love, Sharon
Ruth and Steve Sheffield
January 28, 2017 at 9:15 amDear Karen, Julie and Leah, we are so sorry for your loss. John was such a sweet man. We will be thinking about you and remembering the good times and laughs we had together. Karen, you were always such a good friend and my heart is broken for you. Ruth and Steve Sheffield
Jan Berg Maurus
January 28, 2017 at 10:33 amKaren, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. God bless
Ron and Ruth Erwin
January 28, 2017 at 10:37 amLeah, Rafael and Karen, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Larry & Teddi Bradford
January 28, 2017 at 11:06 amJohn was a great guy and my husband enjoyed working with him at BTFD. I remember going to your home to get wood and advice for a rocking horse Larry was building and seeing all the beautiful wood work. A moment of silence and prayer were held last night at Dougs retirement dinner for John. We are so sorry we can’t be there to pay our respects on Sunday but are thinking of him and his whole family. So sorry for you loss.
Gregg Greschak, RHS, class of 72
January 28, 2017 at 11:12 amThe world gets a little darker when a beautiful light is extinguish. In high school John was just that, a beautiful light that warmed everyone he touched. I will always carry those memories of John and of Karen walking together with those big beautiful smiles. Those can never be erased. My heart and prayers go out to Karen and his daughters.
Rosemary
January 28, 2017 at 12:46 pmKaren, I am so sorry to hear of John’ passing. MA let me know. I shall remember your kindness to me, both of you, at your lovely home in Dansville. God be with you and your family. Peace also.
Kevin Anderson
January 28, 2017 at 12:50 pmI will always remember John, and cherish those memories. He was my partner for a year at BTFD Station 2, and I remember that as one of my favorite years in my career, largely because of the warmth and humor and competence that John exuded. He hand carved a beautiful picture frame for a print that I bought, and his work hangs in a prominent place in my house so I admire his talent every day. Go in peace, John, and may God keep your family.
Neal and Karen Sage
January 28, 2017 at 1:33 pmWe are so sorry to hear of John’s death. We send our deep sympathy to the entire family.
Dan and Andrea Bartenbaker
January 28, 2017 at 2:10 pmWe will never forget the fun times that we shared with John as members of the Clarkston Marching Band Pit Crew 2004-2007 seasons.
Anytime we ran into a problem or really needed something John was always there for us.
It was one of the best times of our lives and were both glad to have shared it with this special man who always seemed to leave you feeling better after seeing him.
Are thoughts and prayers go out to his family as i am sure John has secured his place in Heaven.
Allyson Henstock
January 28, 2017 at 3:14 pmDear Karen,
So very sorry to read of John’s death.
Didn’t know you were HS sweethearts. I remember your wedding when
we were just young techs at MCGH.
My sympathy to your family.
Sincerely,
Allyson Henstock
Mike Gyokeres
January 28, 2017 at 3:55 pmKaren & Family,
So, so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I always enjoyed the times we were together. My thoughts are with you and know that John will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
Margie Wright-Runyan
January 28, 2017 at 4:42 pmI was a dispatcher at Bloomfield Township, and it was an honor to work with John. He always had a smile on his face, and was one of the genuinely kindest people I ever had the pleasure to know. When he worked dispatch with me, we always had a lot of laughs, and I really enjoyed the time that I got to spend with him. May he always be remembered as a wonderful, giving person, and a phenomenal addition to the Bloomfield Twp family. Condolences to his family, I know he will be dearly missed.
Tom Iacobelli
January 28, 2017 at 6:15 pmMay I offer my Blessings, Prayers and Support to John and his family. I grew up on the same street with John in Roseville. We went to St Angela’s School, were alter Boys together. We worked at Lochmoor Country Club as caddies when we were13-14-15yrs old. In High School we were both in the Michigan Civil Air Patrol Squadron 3-2 and marched on the 9 Man Drill Team. It was always a joy to catch up with each other at our Roseville High School Reunions. We’d talk about the good old days , the old neighborhood, our families, old and new friends and adventures we’d had along the way. John is someone I’ve known as a little boy, as a teen, and a man… he made as positive difference in many folks lives…. So now He has “Crossed Over” on to his next Great Adventure !!! In my Thoughts, Prayers, & Meditations
Gary & Sharon Jackson
January 28, 2017 at 7:01 pmWe are so sorry for your loss. We have been retired for a long time but always remembered John and his woodworking. Such a nice and talented man
Al and Judy
January 29, 2017 at 8:58 amKaren. We were so sad to hear about John. He was a great guy. The last time we saw you he was doing so good. What a despicable disease. Unfortunately, I am in Phoenix so we can’t make the Memorial Service today. Just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
amy (stachler)klontzaris
January 29, 2017 at 9:35 amJulie and family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Jim Silkwood
January 29, 2017 at 2:00 pmSo very sorry for your family’s loss, John was a wonderful talented man to work with during our years at BTFD. His wit, loyalty, and sense of humor will be surely missed.
Bill Cockerline
January 31, 2017 at 12:02 pmJohn and I worked together at BTFD and he had great sense of humor and was a talented firefighter. I remember when he was cooking at Central and we always got on him about his cooking….which means he was doing a good job….so for dinner on night he made meat loaf that looked just like dog poop…I will never forget, I laughed my butt off. R.I.P. Brother
Sandra Boggemes
February 5, 2017 at 2:18 pmDear Karen, Julie and Leah and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear about John’s passing. We feel so blessed that we got to know you and were able to call you friends when you lived in Clarkston. I will be praying for you and your family.