Richard L. Koedyker

Richard L. Koedyker, age 84, a resident of Carol Stream, Illinois, passed away peacefully in his home on September 26, 2026. He was born September 18, 1942, in Gary, Indiana.

Rich attended DeVry Technical Institute as a young man. His career in engineering included positions with Ohio Bell and Illinois Bell Telephone, leading to a lifelong and successful career in telecommunications spanning approximately three decades. He continued his career with AT&T until his retirement in 1997. One of his many interests outside of work was being a Lionel train enthusiast and amateur radio handler, as he proudly earned his amateur radio license. Additionally, he loved working on cars, as his own mechanic.  In retirement, he took pride in building several of his own computers.

Rich loved spending time in Northwest Ontario, Canada, for most of his adult life, including his parents, where he found great joy in the outdoors and the beauty of nature. Over the years, he designed and oversaw the construction of two lakefront cottages where he enjoyed spending time with family and friends; dividing his time between Carol Stream, Illinois, and Vermilion Bay, Ontario. He especially enjoyed fishing, hunting partridges, big toys, Canada’s beautiful scenery, and its abundant wildlife.

A natural tinkerer, thinker, and engineer, Rich enjoyed projects of all kinds and could fix or figure out just about anything he put his hands to. He took great pride in building, repairing, and creating things and was always ready for the next project or challenge.

He is survived by his daughter, Christine Koedyker, and her partner, Andy Baginski and his domestic partner of 40 years, Patricia Callahan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lavern (Vern) and Anna Koedyker (nee Draia); his brother, Gary Koedyker; and his former spouse, Mary F. Hoag (nee Logeman).