William "Willie" J. Kovach, 92, of Benton, died early Friday, September 10, 2021, at Helia Healthcare Nursing Home in Benton.

He was born on October 24, 1928, the son of, Mike and Anna (Fodor) Kovach in Christopher, IL. He married Billie Jane Wall on December 11, 1948, and she preceded him in death on August 24, 2013.

Willie and his brother Mike operated a trucking company in Christopher prior to marrying his wife, Billie. After their marriage, Willie and Billie, purchased and operated the Southside Market, at 608 South Main Street in Benton for 10 years during the 1950s. Soon after they sold the store, they purchased a laundry mat on North Madison Street which became Kovach Koin Laundry, and they operated it for about 30 years. William also worked for, and was one of the first employees of Franklin Asphalt, which later became E.T. Simons Construction.

Willie enjoyed traveling in his RV, fishing, hunting and stained glass. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge where he was a past Exalted Ruler at the Benton Elks Lodge #1234, as well as the Road Runners Camping Group in Mount Vernon, IL.

William is survived by his two sons, Glenn Allen Kovach and his wife, Regenia, of Benton, IL and Paul William Kovach of Benton, IL; one grandchild, Travis Allen Kovach and his wife Maggie and one great-grandchild, Carter William Kovach, all of Benton, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Anna Kovach, two brothers, Michael Stephen Kovach and Joe Kovach and two sisters, Helen Kornya and Margaret Harkess.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St., Benton, IL.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton, IL.

Burial will be in the St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery in Christopher, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in the form of Catholic masses to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 506 West Main St., Benton, IL 62812, or will be accepted at the Funeral Home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.