Steven Kochan
Wood River | Save
We are saddened to share the passing of Steven L. Kochan.
Steve was a friend to many, but most importantly he was a husband, father, papa and brother. Steve departed this world peacefully on October 9, 2026, at LaBella in Alton after a brief illness.
He was born September 18, 1950, in Wood River to the late John Thomas “Bum” Kochan and Wilma (Davis) Kochan-Fitzgerald, both of whom preceded him in death.
Steve’s legacy lives on through his sons Tom Kochan (Erin), Jeff Kochan (Alison), and step-daughter Amy Mortland Cadagin (Tim). He most treasured the title of “Papa” to his granddaughters: Kailey Kochan, Emily Rudicel, Averie Kochan, Aly Kochan, Mackenzie Cadagin, Shannon Cadagin and Molly Cadagin.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Thelma (McKey) Kochan in May of this year. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Theresa Moore, nephew, Peter Swanson, and brother-in-law, Merle McKey.
Surviving are his sister, Barbara Swanson (Robert) and brother-in-law Jim McKey, along with countless beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.
Steve was a graduate of East Alton-Wood River High School, class of 1968. Steve was a proud member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters for more than 55 years. He owned Kochan Construction for many years. In 1986 he began working for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office as the Director of Support Services, retiring in 2013. He served his community in a number of roles, including auxiliary police officer, paid on call firefighter, and fire and police commissioner, all for the City of Wood River. He previously served as a member of the St. Louis Regional Airport Authority and as a precinct committeeman. At the time of his passing he was serving as a Merit Commissioner for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and a Commissioner with the Wood River Drainage and Levee District. Steve was a member of the Alton-Wood River Sportsman's Club, Wood River Moose, Owl’s Club of Alton, the Knights of Columbus, and probably a few more fraternal organizations. He enjoyed cooking for others and visiting with friends on his daily visits to his many clubs.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday October 13th from 3 pm to 7 pm at Holy Angels Parish (St. Bernard’s Church) in Wood River.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Wednesday October 14th at Holy Angels Parish (St. Bernard’s Church) in Wood River with Father Tom Liebler as celebrant.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate and strongly encourage donations to the Madison County Fallen Officers Memorial Fund, madisoncountyfallenofficersmemorialfund.org.
Marks Mortuary in Wood River in charge of arrangements.
Mark's Mortuary
