Charles F. Koval

Charles F. Koval, age 71, lost his valiant battle to multiple myeloma on Aug. 3, 2009. Chuck was raised on a family farm in northern Wisconsin. He married Patricia Riley and then attended Northland College where he earned a bachelor's degree in biology. This was followed by a Ph. D. from the University of Wisconsin -- Madison in entomology. Chuck enjoyed a long, fulfilling career as a professor and administrator at UW -- Madison. He particularly enjoyed traveling the state and working with students faculty and community members. Chuck and Pat would have celebrated 52 years of marriage on August 24. They raised three children and celebrated nine grandchildren. Chuck grew in his faith and was enriched by the support of members of St. Paul's University Catholic Center and Blessed Sacrament Parish. Chuck was privileged to be a member of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher. Once he was diagnosed with cancer, Chuck became an activist in advocating for more research initiatives and forming patient support groups. To this end, he was a tireless researcher and mentor to other patients and their families. Chuck is survived by his wife, Patricia; three children, Michael (Jane) of Mt. Horeb, Daniel (Kris) of Madison, and Mary Louise (David) Williams of Cary, North Carolina; and nine grandchildren, Shawn, Riley, Kevin, Connor, Colleen, Emmett, Brigit, Annie and Niamh. He is further survived by his brothers, George (Mary Ann) of Mason, Gerald of Wild Rose, and sister Pat (Don) Kukull of Superior; sister-in-law Lois Koval of Iron River; sisters-in-law Roberta (Dick) Berthiaume, Harriet Riley, Mary (Jack) Hill, Elinor (Ron) Riley; and many nieces and nephews. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, George and Katherine Koval; in-laws Emmett and Louise Riley brothers-in-law, Bill and Shawn Riley. Chuck and his family are very grateful for the collaborative relationship he had with his doctors at UW Hospitals, particularly Dr. Juckett. We thank the excellent nursing professionals for their gracious care and support. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Sat. Aug. 8, 2009 at 10:30 a. m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2115 Rowley Ave. Madison with Fr. Patrick Norris presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trillium Fund for Multiple Myeloma Research at UW Foundation -- Comprehensive Cancer Center (UWCCC -- Trillium Fund), 600 highland Ave. Rm. K4/658, Madison, WI 53792-6164.