John A. Kovalcik, 85, of Braidwood and formerly of Riverside, died on Nov. 29, 2017. 

Born on June 26, 1932 in Chicago to the late John and Concetta (nee D'Onofrio) Kovalcik, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he was awarded a Silver Star for valor. 

Mr. Kovalcik was a member of the American Legion Post 0699, a former member of the VFW Post 5422 and a member of the Masonic Lodge Oracle Chapter 180. He retired from Carpenters Union Local 80, and later worked as a security guard at several different locations. 

He was an avid gardener, pool player, and was known as the "master chef" for his cooking. 

Mr. Kovalcik is survived by his wife, Maureen Brannan, whom he married on June 29, 2013; his children, Shawn Kovalcik, Steven (Michele) Kovalcik, Diana (Al) Shimkus and Evelyn "Libby" Kovalcik; his grandchildren, Tyler and Tanner Shimkus and Riana Kovalcik and Catrina Limandri; his siblings, Tom (Susie) Kovalcik and Connie Michaels; his daughter-in-law, Juliana Kovalcik; and brother-in-law, Bill Lillwitz; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Preceding him in death were his parents; his son, Michael Kovalcik; and his sisters, Ursula Lillwitz and Marian (Don) Thompson. 

A funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 4 at Immaculate Conception Church in Braidwood, followed by interment with military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

R.W. Patterson Funeral Home and Crematory, Braidwood, handled arrangements.