Ryan Joseph Koschak, 41 of Butler, died on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, in Fenton, MO.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie. Services will immediately follow at the funeral home.
Mr. Koschak wasborn in Litchfield,on Sept. 4, 1981, to Paul (Rick) Koschak and Deborah (Keck) Koschak. Raised in Gillespie, he married Abbie (Bunge) Koschak, and she survives.
Mr. Koschak’s journey through life was a high-voltage adventure. After graduating from Gillespie High School in 1999, he pursued a vocational degree at Midwest School of Welding in Lincoln. His spirit was as fiery as his welding torch, earning him a reputation for his craftsmanship as a Boilermaker (Local 363 -Belleville), as well as his crafty sense of humor. He possessed the rare gift of turning even the dullest moments into uproarious laughter.
Mr. Koschak was a true friend to many and a brother in spirit to countless others. His warmth and laughter left a mark on everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path. He had a knack for touching lives wherever he went, leaving behind a trail of memories that will forever be part of his remarkable legacy.
He seemed to have had nine lives, embarking on daring adventures that often left others shaking their heads in disbelief. When he met Abbie, they embarked on the new adventure of parenthood. She helped him trade his risk-taking for diaper changing as he embraced the wonderful adventure of fatherhood. His love was endless, particularly when it came to his daughter, whom he adored beyond measure. His beloved wife was the love of his life and his partner in every sense of the word.
Mr. Koschak had a unique affection for nature, caring for chickens, beekeeping, hummingbirds and his feline companion, Pumpkin. His garage served as his sanctuary, where he meticulously crafted intricate machines and occasionally muttered a few choice words under his breath when his tools disagreed with him. He had a heart of gold, and his kindness became legendary. He touched lives with his generosity and humor, making him not just a man but a legend.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his daughter Vivien; parents, Rick and Debbie (Keck) Koschak; sister Stacey (Chris) Keith; nephews, Jared Gansz, Luke Goldasich, Brody Keith and Sean and Sam Zaloudek; nieces, Emma Gansz, Brentleigh Keith and Caroline Goldasich.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenneth (Anna Williams) Keck and Paul (Agnes Tallman) Koschak.
Memorials are suggested to the family.
