Donald "Don" Chovan

Donald Samuel “Don” Chovan, 84, of Metamora, Illinois, entered into eternal life with our good and loving God, peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, February 16, 2026, in Metamora.

He was born on March 13, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Samuel & Hermine (Kramer) Chovan. In 1952, they moved to the Upper Peninsula and made their home in Bessemer, Michigan. Henceforth, he considered himself a Yooper from “God’s Country” the rest of his life.

At the age of 18, shortly after graduating high school and losing his father in a mining accident, Don proudly enlisted in the US Navy in 1959. He cruised the Mediterranean while serving our country and visited beautiful places such as Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, and France.

After his time in the Navy, he moved to Roanoke, Illinois to begin working in the Peoria area. He married Carolyn R. Kern on November 2, 1968, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Metamora, Illinois.

Surviving are his wife, Carolyn of Metamora; daughters, Nicole Goodman and Rebecca Gangloff, both of Metamora, and Sarah (Josh) Sakash of Bartonville, Illinois; six grandchildren, Carrie (Sam) Hodel, Alissa Goodman, Brittnie Goodman, Darien Gangloff, Landon Gangloff, and Alice Sakash; and step-sister, Linda (Jim) Dishman of Cadillac, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather Joe Rouker. He was also preceded in death by several beloved family dogs, Sandy, Murphy, Terry, Friday, and Buddy, and grand-dogs, Bailey, Spears, Marley, and Cassidy.

Don spent 38 years as a machine operator. His career began in 1965 and culminated with his retirement from Komatsu in 2003. He was an avid hunter and a trap and target-shooting enthusiast. He appreciated our freedom and supported all things that upheld our 2nd Amendment rights. He was a member of the American Legion Post #89. He had a God-given talent as an artist; his family and friends have many pieces of artwork to hold on to as his legacy.

Don found great joy when he was able to travel to Phillips, Wisconsin, and spend time at his aunt and uncle’s farm with his cousins, where they would hunt and enjoy the outdoors, followed by further travels to God’s Country in the UP for pasty, time at Lake Superior, and visiting childhood friends. He was a dedicated fan of the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Red Wings, and the Cleveland Indians. Don was proud to be a regular blood donor in his healthier years and was thankful to receive many blood transfusions during his illness. He was an active member at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Eureka. Some of his most treasured times were spent with Carolyn watching their grandkids participate in their many activities over the years.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Mason Funeral Home in Metamora. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Eureka. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Metamora. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 698 Reagan Drive, Eureka, IL 61530. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.