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In Loving Memory of Ryan Koschak

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Ryan Joseph Koschak, age 41, from Butler, IL, bid us an unexpected farewell on September 3, 2023, in Fenton, MO. Ryan’s journey through life was a high-voltage adventure. Born on September 4, 1981, to Paul (Rick) Koschak and Deborah Koschak (Keck) in Litchfield, IL, he grew up in Gillespie alongside his older sister Stacey Koschak (Keith).

After graduating from GHS in 1999, he pursued a vocational degree at Midwest School of Welding in Lincoln, IL. Ryan’s 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.  

Ryan was a true friend to many and a brother-in-spirit to countless others. His warmth and laughter left an indelible mark on everyone 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.  

In his earlier days, Ryan seemed to have had nine lives, embarking on daring adventures that often left us shaking our heads in disbelief. But then, Abbie entered his life, and together, they embarked on a new adventure – parenthood. Abbie helped him trade his risk-taking for diaper-changing as he wholeheartedly embraced the wonderful adventure of fatherhood.  

Ryan’s love knew no bounds, particularly when it came to his daughter, Vivien, whom he adored beyond measure. Abbie, his beloved wife and the love of his life, was his partner in every sense of the word.  Ryan 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. Above all, Ryan 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.  

As we bid farewell to Ryan Koschak, let us remember him not with tears but with smiles, for his spirit will forever illuminate our memories. 

Ryan is survived by his wife, Abbie (Bunge) Koschak; his daughter, Vivien; his parents, Rick and Debbie (Keck) Koschak; his sister, Stacey Keith (Chris); nephews, Jared Gansz, Luke Goldasich, Brody Keith, and Sean and Sam Zaloudek; and nieces, Emma Gansz, Brentleigh Keith, and Caroline Goldasich.  

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He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenneth & Anna (Williams) Keck and Paul & Agnes (Tallman) Koschak.  

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 5 to 8 p.m. Services will be held at 8 p.m.  In honor of Ryan’s memory, we kindly request that, instead of flowers, donations be made directly to Abbie Koschak. These contributions will assist in covering his family’s expenses and ensuring Vivien’s education.

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Obituaries

Obituary of Nicole Lynn “Nikki” Wilson

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Nicole Lynn “Nikki” Wilson, 34 of Litchfield, passed away at 4:04 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025, at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. She was born on January 15, 1991, a daughter of Gregory Dwayne and Rhoda LeAnn (Goodwater) Wilson.

Nikki was employed for many years at Taco Bell and most recently at Casey’s South State Street location and Aperion, all in Litchfield. She and Adriane Morgan Davis were married September 21, 2019, in Litchfield. She survives. Nikki loved playing softball, fishing, hunting and camping. She cherished time spent with her family and friends and enjoyed being aunt to her 9 nieces and nephews.

Nikki is survived by her wife, Adriane Morgan Davis of Litchfield; parents, Greg and LeAnn Wilson of Litchfield; maternal grandmother, Rhoda Jean (Striplin) Vaniter of Gillespie; brother, Charles “Rob” (Jennie) Wilson of Litchfield; sister, Jamie (Dustin) Jones of Litchfield; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and nieces and nephews, Isaac, Summer, Gabe, Easton, Koralyne, Thea, Morgan, Arryk and Alaska.

Nikki was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Chuck and Darlene Wilson; maternal grandfather, Robert Goodwater; maternal step-grandfather, Alfred Vaniter; and maternal great-grandmother, Lenora Striplin.

Funeral services for Nikki will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until service time. The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to the family of Nikki Wilson, c/o LeAnn Wilson. Plummer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Obituary of Frances A. Hudgins

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Frances A. Hudgins, 78 of Carlinville, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Carlinville Rehab & Health Care in Carlinville. Frances was born on March 7, 1946, in Irvington, AL, a daughter of Albert Grady and Allie Mae Hayes Chance.

She married William “Willie” June 7, 1962, in Mobile, AL. He later passed on February 25, 2020. Frances was a homemaker who loved to crochet and garden. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the New Beginnings Church in Girard.

Frances is survived by her son, Ronnie William (Joyce) Hudgins of Chesterfield; daughter, Tammie Renay (Dave) Hauter of Carlinville; six grandchildren, Timothy (Sara) Newingham, Tyler (Brooke) Newingham, Kelsey (Tristian) Ponce, Shelbie Tandy, Anthony Hudgins, and Alicia Terpening; several great-grandchildren; and sister, Louise Thompson of AL.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents and spouse, William “Willie” E. Hudgins.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, 9:00 to 11:00 am at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Carlinville. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Carlinville. Burial will follow in Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Carlinville.

Memorials may be made to New Beginnings Church Girard, IL. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.

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Obituary of Brooke Elizabeth Powell

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Brooke Elizabeth Powell, age 37, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, following an automobile accident in McLean County. Brooke was born in Chicago at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital, on March 17, 1987.

She was adopted by Christie and John Powell and brought home to Carlinville when she was just eight days old. Brooke graduated from Carlinville High School with the class of 2005, followed by four years at Illinois State University, graduating with a degree in Ag. She worked in the field of Ag for eight years at ADM in Decatur and four years at Central Illinois Ag in Atlanta, Illinois.

Brooke’s true passion, from the time she was a little girl, was anything and everything to do with horses, which eventually led her to start her own business called Independently Equine. She offered services including teaching riding lessons, horse management, barn organization and management, professional scribing and judging, show coaching, and consulting on horse purchases.

Her mission was to aid in the positive growth of relationships between horse and rider. She used a compassionate approach to all types of learning and communication. Brooke was born with a big heart for others. She was kind, caring, fun-loving and had a great laugh, beautiful smile, and gave the best hugs. She was loved by many and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, John; uncles, Jim Powell and Dan Curtis; and grandparents, Dot and Bob Beard and Jake and Mildred Powell.

She is survived by her mother, Chris; companion, Joe Greene; uncles and aunts, Marc Beard, Rex (Gail) Beard and Mary Curtis; as well as cousins, Geoff (Emily) Curtis, Bond (Drew) Wyman, Ryan (Sheila) Beard, and young cousins Xander, Asher, and Aria Wyman, and Robert Beard. She is also survived by a large number of extended family members. She leaves behind, too, her beloved dog, Tovi, and her two horses, Sweet Pea and Betsy. Sweet Pea has been with Brooke since she was 14 years old.

Visitation will take place Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on February 18 at the Carlinville United Methodist Church with the funeral on Wednesday, February 19 at 11:00 a.m. also at CUMC. Memorials may be given to the Carlinville High School FFA, 4H, Macoupin County Animal Shelter, or Benld Adopt-A-Pet. Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, LTD, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.

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