Kyle Kovarik

Kyle Matthew Kovarik, 33, of Wood River, Illinois passed away at 8:17 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at his home. He was born May 14, 1991, in Maryville, Illinois. He married Kalene M. (Essenpreis) Kovarik on March 18, 2023, and she survives. Kyle loved his job as an aircraft mechanic with West Star Aviation in East Alton. He was a 2009 graduate of Hillsboro High School where he was active in the Future Farmers of America. He enjoyed his years of tending to the livestock on his family farm and was known as a master goat catcher. He was a board member of the Oak Lawn Cemetery in Glen Carbon and enjoyed geocaching with his wife and spending time with his family and friends. Kyle became ordained for the ability of officiating for his mom and stepdad’s wedding. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed his days of shooting, hunting and fishing. In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by a precious daughter, Josephine Judith Marie Kovarik of Wood River; his mother and stepfather, Gretchen A. and David “H.D.” Ketchum of Hillsboro; grandparents, Mike and Linda Kovarik of Edwardsville; mother-in-law, Wendy Essenpreis of Grant Fork; brother-in-law, Wil Essenpreis of Highland; sister-in-law, Kristen Leonard of Nicholasville, Kentucky; grandparents-in-law, Biddy and Kathy Essenpreis; aunts; uncles; cousins; other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Kirk Essenpreis.

In celebration of his life, a visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 2 p.m. until time of a funeral service at 5 p.m. with Reverend Rayden Hollis officiating. Burial will be at Buck Road Cemetery in Maryville at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family to establish a trust fund for his daughter. www.irwinchapel.com

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home