George Kupczak

Carbondale - George Howard Kupczak, 68, passed away peacefully at 11:30 p.m. on September 20, 2025 at his daughter's home surrounded by his family. After a courageous fight of battling pancreatic cancer for over a year.

George was born on January 26, 1957 in Chicago, IL, the son of the late Nicholas and Betty Kupczak. He married Betty L. Hartung-Kupczak in Paducah, Kentucky on December 27, 1988 and she preceded him in death on December 27, 2015.

George is survived by his children: Steven (Charish) Kupczak of Carbondale, Erika (Paul) Wilcut of Marion, John (Stacy) Hartung of Carbondale, Katherine (Steve) Rednour of Herrin, Karl (Lisa) Hartung of Johnston City, and Sharon (Brian) Payne of Johnston City; 14 grandchildren, Kyle(Heather) Hartung, Kristy Cedar, Samantha White, Knicko(Shelby) Hartung, Morgan(Kraig)Weber, Austin(Lucas) Hartung, Cullen(Jasmine) Frick, Madison Reynolds, Lilly Frick, Adalyn Wilcut, Alexis, Brett,& Walker Kupczak and an expecting grandson, Cooper George Kupczak in November; 9 great-grandchildren, Conner, Mason, Camden and Coltyn Hartung, Trent Payne, Lyla and Emmet Cedar, Maxcene White and Naomi Frick.

He is further survived by his brother, Steven (Jean) Kupczak of Wisconsin and his sister, Karen Koehler of Lombard, IL; Nieces and Nephews; Nick, John and Michael Kupczak, Tim (Kristina) Koehler, Becky (Adam)Johnson, Kristi (Nathan)Cullor.

George is preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Betty, sister Vicki Kupczak, brother-n-law Hank Koehler, grandsons Daniel Payne, Blake Hartung, Reed White and great-granddaughter Caroline Weber.

George was a retired master mechanic and loved his family very much. In his younger years he was an avid outdoorsman and a lifelong Green Bay Packers Fan -GO PACK GO. With his love of Volkswagen, trains, and tractors, he was an enthusiast in collecting cars and seeking items to repurpose and/or recycle. He was the light and entertainment in the room. He was the "Google" for his family, a walking, talking encyclopedia. His knowledge would go into the depths of history.

His memory will live on through all whose lives he touched. He will be truly missed and loved forever but never forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made in his name to the Hospice of Southern Illinois or the Sierra Club.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is assisitng the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of George, visit www.meredithfh.com