John F. Kouka, 58 of Champaign, died at 8:40am Monday September 13th in Champaign. Visitation will be from 6-8 Friday evening, September 17th, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday at Grace Lutheran Church, 313 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign, Rev. Roger Digges officiating.

John was born on June 22, 1952 in Chicago, IL, the son of Frederick H. and Alice Louise Nichols Kouka. He married Teresa Epperson and she survives. He later married Kristin Yoder Wise in 2005 in Urbana. He is also survived by a son, Eric Kouka (Kristin) of Carmel, IN, daughter, Kimberly Kouka of Monterey, CA, grandson Liam John Kouka, sisters Carol Haywood of Austin, TX, Janet Fros (Mel) of Urbana, father and step mother, Frederick and Joanie Kouka of Champaign. He was preceded in death by his mother.

After graduating from the University of Kentucky, John worked for Chicago Bridge and Iron as a structural engineer. It was at this time that he had the opportunity to work in the United Kingdom. After returning to the United Sates, he became the owner/operator of J.K. Builders, specializing in remodeling and renovation. John was a member of the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society, The Homebuilders Association and Grace Lutheran Church and its board. He was also president of the Moose Lake Club for 20 years in Moose Lake, WI where his family built and enjoyed a vacation home.

John was a gentle man of integrity and dignity, whose family was everything to him.

Donations in his honor can be made to the Champaign or Urbana Park District or The Chorale.