James Koval, Sr.
James Ralph Koval Sr. entered his heavenly home August 18, 2025 with his loving wife by his side. He passed away quietly, the last of 15 children of George Sr. and Sophie Koval.
James was born in Dauby, Wisconsin and was a lifelong member of St. Peters Catholic Church in Dauby, Wisconsin. Serving as an altar boy and later as Eucaristic Minister and Reader of scripture. James was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
James farmed in the Benoit area during his early years of married life and also worked driving a milk truck then working for DuPont of Barksdale. He missed being a casualty of 2 explosions at the plant. He then worked for Baroney Construction with Joe Baroney becoming one of his closest friends. Following Joe’s death he eventually started Koval Truck and Tractor Repair in 1984.
Following his retirement from the shop he worked for the town of Keystone. James’s son’s, Robert and Tom, continued his legacy at, “the shop.” He never had a bad day at work because he loved his job.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Sr. and Sophie (Justinak) Koval. His brothers, George, William, Emery, John, Frank, Joseph and Eugene. His sisters, Mary, Anne, Ethel, Joann, Judy, Philomena and Dorothy. His daughter-in-law Raeanne Koval and a son-in-law, Elwood Severson.
He is survived by his loving wife Frances, children Kathleen (Joe Harrison) Severson, James (Betsy) Koval, Gary (Jean) Koval, Karen (John) Jordan, Tom Koval, Robert (Rachel) Koval and Debra (John) Wirt. Twelve grandchildren, Dana (Greg) Hatch, Sara (Justin) Flatt, Dale (Lacie) Severson, Darren (Melissa) Koval, Travis (Amanda) Koval, Jacob (Markie) Koval, Amanda Koval, David (Bridget) Koval, Heather Koval, Jessie Jordan Blagg, Nicolas Jordan, step-granddaughter Kia (Josh) Carter, great grandchildren Hayden Koval, Logan Koval, Emma Koval, Lili Koval, James Koval, Reid Koval and Skylar Severson, Clayr and Faron Carter.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, August 28th, 2025 at 11am at St. Peters Catholic Church with visitation starting at 10am and continuing until the hour of service.
Internment to follow in Dauby cemetery. A gathering of friends and family in the hospitality hall to follow.
Dad was our rock and protector. He will be deeply missed.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, Wisconsin.
Online condolences for the Koval Family may be left at: mountainfuneralhomes.com