David Koderhandt

David A. Koderhandt, 83, of Belleville, IL, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, following a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Dave was a hard worker and took pride in every job he held. He worked for the family business, Quality Plating Works, for many years before leaving to pursue other opportunities. He joined LaFore Contracting’s underground boring team and enjoyed the travel and friendships made during his time there.

His most rewarding career, however, was “Mr. Dave”, the Maintenance Man, at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School. He was much more than the man who fixed things and helped to keep the school running. He became a familiar, dependable, and caring presence to the students and staff, and took great pride in being someone others could count on.

Even after retirement, Dave never really stopped working with his hands. He continued to pursue his passion for woodworking, creating bluebird and duck houses that he generously donated. In his most recent years, he turned his attention to making duck and goose calls, which he proudly branded “Big Pond”, named after his first hunting property.

Dave’s love for the outdoors and his hardworking nature came together in one of his greatest legacies, Chip O Will, the family’s beloved gathering place. His passion for the outdoors, combined with his ability to build and create with his own hands, helped turn the property into a special place where family and friends could gather, share stories, camp, hunt, BBQ, make apple butter, laugh and make memories. Nothing brought Dave greater joy than his time at Chip O Will, especially sharing it with friends and hunting with his son and grandsons. Those days in the outdoors with people he loved were amongst his most treasured memories.

Dave was also a former Board Member and current active member of the Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters of Illinois, an organization that held a special place in his heart. He cherished the friendships he made through the club and enjoyed sharing his passion for the outdoors, his woodworking skills, and his commitment to preserving wildlife with others.

Dave will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his ability to participate in a good hand of euchre, throw a game of horseshoes, BBQ a perfect pork steak, pull up a bar stool for “just one”, turn a piece of wood into a home for the wildlife and his willingness to give you the shirt off his back.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Donna (nee Isselhardt), who passed just 3 months ago; his only son, Daryl Koderhandt, who passed just 2 months ago; grandson, Payton Wilkin; parents, George and Mabel Koderhandt; siblings, George, Carol, Jim and Steve Koderhandt, Janet Kohlmeier; and his father and mother in law, Bill and Dorothy Isselhardt.

He is survived by his daughters, Denise Feld (Lenny Olliges) and Deanna (Rick) Wilkin; daughter In Law, Carrie Koderhandt; grandchildren, Donelle (Ryan) Wilkin, Darcie Feld (Eric Moody), Paige (Anthony) Lombardo, Dalton Koderhandt (Fiancée, Kayla Guetersloh), Drake Koderhandt (Kaili Piker); great grandchildren, Evelyn and Eleanor Wilkin, Emmitt Moody and Leo Lombardo; sisters, Karen (Kurt) Daesch and Patty Rompel; sister in laws, Linda Koderhandt, Madeline Koderhandt and Mary Simmons; brother, Chris Koderhandt; and many nephews, nieces, family and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Mississippi Valley Duck Hunters of Illinois “MVDH”, PO Box 166, Belleville, IL, 62221.

The things Davey built may someday weather with time, but the memories he created will remain forever.

Service times are pending.