Frank A. Koval
Frank A. Koval, 89, of Independence, died Sunday, September 28, 2025, at his home.
Frank was born April 6, 1936, in Wickham Valley, rural Independence, to Frank and Angeline (Kokott) Koval. He married Mary Ann Hertzfeldt, January 23, 1960, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Mondovi. Frank worked for Concrete Construction in Milwaukee, Ebner Construction in La Crosse and BNB Concrete of Eau Claire, and was a member of the OPCMIA Union, Local 257, La Crosse, WI.
Frank was an outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He took fishing trips to Algoma for salmon, Superior for smelt netting, Lake Winnebago for sturgeon fishing, the back waters of the Mississippi to ice fish, but most of all he enjoyed trout fishing on banks of the Elk Creek at their home in Independence. He was a constructor and rebuilder, helping to design and build multiple pole barns and sheds for friends and family in the area and helped his children remodel homes and construct new additions. Frank had the ability to fix or construct almost anything. His children were blessed to have learned so much from him and experience so many life lessons that helped guide them in raising their families and gave them an appreciation for life in a rural community.
In retirement, Frank enjoyed woodworking in his shop, gardening, riding in his Gator, and spending time with family, especially with his grandchildren.
Frank will be deeply missed by his wife of 65 years, Mary Ann; children: Keith (Joan) Koval of Arcadia, Kevin (Sandra) Koval of Independence, Karen (Jon) Tomter of Onalaska, Ken (Rhonda) Koval of Independence, Kathy (Jeff) Brenny of Whitehall, Kraig Koval of Independence and Kris (Jeff) Crebo of Holmen; sister, Angeline Klimek; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Alosie Koval and Clarence Kowhal; sisters: Laurine Koval, Marian Karash, and Leona Slaby; brothers-in-law: Andrew Slaby, Ralph Wiersgalla, Vincent Karasch, La Verne Hertzfeldt, Eugene Hertzfeldt, and Gus Klimek; sisters-in-law: Leora Kowhal, Theresa Hertzfeldt and Agnes Hertzfeldt; and great-granddaughter, Kora Koval.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Independence. Father George Thayilkuzhitottu officiated. Family and friends were welcomed for visitation from 9:30 a.m. to the time of mass at church on Friday. Burial was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Ss. Peter and Paul Restoration Fund. To express condolences to his family online, please visit www.edisonfuneralhome.com.
