Ryan Kukorola

Ryan Kukorola, age 21, of Pittsburg, IL, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 12:42 p.m. in Deaconess Illinois Medical Center, Marion, IL.
He was born on May 24, 2003, in Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, IL. He was the son of Charles and Pamela (Bornemann) Leonard-Kukorola.
Ryan was a graduate of Marion High School Class of 2021. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and has proudly served his country for the last three years. He was scheduled to be deployed overseas just this past week.
On May 13, 2024, Ryan married the love of his life, Rayelyn Grace Mueller at the Williamson County Courthouse. Later that year, Ryan and Rayelyn welcomed their baby boy, Atlas James Kukorola.
Ryan worked for Tru-Built Buildings of Marion. He was of the Christian faith and lit up any room he walked into. He was a kind-hearted soul who would give the shirt off his back for anyone who needed it. His sense of humor was second to none and he made his wife laugh daily. Ryan loved playing video games, especially Fortnite and Call of Duty. He loved his Camaro and spent a great deal of time driving it. He also loved his dogs. Above all, Ryan loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.
He is survived by his wife, Rayelyn Kukorola of Pittsburg, IL; his son, Atlas James Kukorola; his parents, Charles and Pam Kukorola of Marion, IL; his great-grandmother, Joan Walton of Bethalto, IL; mother-in-law, Kim Norris and husband, Donald, of Pittsburg, IL; father-in-law, Brad Marks of Marion, IL; eleven brothers; five sisters; his close friends, Dalton Whitecotton and Kannon Bright; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other extended family members, and many friends, including his brothers from the mortar platoon HHC 2-130 IN.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will resume at Heartland Christian Church, located at 900 East Boyton Street, Marion, IL on Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of the service.
Following the time of visitation on Sunday, the funeral service will be held at the church at 2:00 p.m. with Brother Greg Gibbs and Chaplain (CPT) Shaun Shaner presiding.
Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant-Poordo Cemetery in rural Marion, IL.
Military honors will be accorded at the graveside by members of the United States Army Funeral Honors Detail.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Ryan's son's college fund. Checks may be made payable to "Atlas Kukorola College Fund." Envelopes will be available at the funeral home, church or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ryan, please visit our floral store.