Michael "Mike" Koval Obituary (1944 - 2021)

Michael "Mike" Koval, 77 of Virden passed away peacefully Sunday, August 22, 2021 at Memorial Medical Center with his loving family by his side. He was born on June 5, 1944 into the Koval family and what a family it was! While he grew up in Springfield where he lived with his mother Lucille, nearly every weekend they drove to Mount Olive to be with family. Mike often stayed there while in grade school during the summer where he learned how to fish, hunt and clean rabbits and game. He loved learning how to shoot but much preferred buying food at a store. He had a hard time killing anything. As he progressed in rank with the Illinois State Police to Master Sergeant, he became an Instructor at the ISP Training Facility in Springfield. He soon acquired the moniker of "Iron Mike", not only in weightlifting but with his Cadets. After retirement, he founded M.K. Construction and worked side by side with his son Nick to build the finest new homes and duplexes in Springfield earning a reputation for excellent quality. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Virden, K of C, the Fraternal Order of Police, the State Police Benevolent Group and took great pride in all of them. Mike is survived by his loving wife Monica, sons Michael J. (Lori) Koval of St. Louis, MO and Nicholas A. Koval of Virden, grandsons Michael and Nicholas and special cousins Sheila Noonan and Jim Morris. Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, August 26, 2021 at Virden Cemetery with Father James Palakudy officiating. Friends and extended family are asked to join his family directly at the cemetery. Airsman & Calvert Funeral Homes, Virden is honored to be caring for Mike's family.