Richard James Kovarik

1925 - 2014

Richard James Kovarik, age 89, of Winfield, formerly of Indiana, Berwyn, Naperville and McHenry, passed away peacefully, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. He was born on April 12, 1925 to Charles and Stella (Fisher) Kovarik in Chicago. On April 7, 1951 he married LaVerne Beranek, in Cicero. In his early years many stories were told about how he trapped muskrats, and sold their pelts for money. Richard loved golfing, and had the pleasure of (2) holes in one. He also loved riding his horses, Molly and Thunderbird. As a family, many road trips were taken camping with the trailer and the kids. Family was very important to him. There were also yearly trips to Sanibel Island in Florida. Everyday for Richard started out with the daily crossword puzzle, which he could always complete, which was no easy task. Richard spent most of his working career with Wendnagle Steel Company in Chicago where he was Vice-President and Comptroller. He worked for Wendnagle for over 30 years. In 1980, he relocated with LaVerne and youngest daughter, Judy, to McHenry where he worked for Tonyon Construction as an Accountant.
On June 10, 1989 Richard and Lois Grobe were married. Richard also worked at Grobes True Value for over 10 years. In his later years, he traveled with his wife Lois, and many close friends on many bus trips across the United States. In the winter he would also travel to Florida for a month with Lois, and his Mother, Stella, and Sister, Elaine to get away from the Midwest weather.
Richard is survived his Wife, Lois, of Winfield, IL; his Sister, Elaine Kovarik of Forest Park, IL; his Children, Dale (Susan) Kovarik of Libertyville, IL, Gary (Isabelle) Kovarik of Malta, IL, Susan (Thomas) Doyle of Sparta, WI, and Judy (Kenneth) Kopfman of McHenry, IL; his Step-Children, Jim (Laura) Grobe of West Chicago, Janet (Doug) Brooks, of Downers Grove, IL and Joan (Andy) Bregman of Wheaton, IL; Grandchildren, Margaret and Matthew Kovarik, Nickolas and Kiley Doyle, and Austin and Joshua Karpinski; Step Grandchildren, Jennie, Jill and Kevin Grobe, Abbey, Jessie and Zach Brooks and Ann and Ben Bregman; and (5) Great-Grandchildren as well as many relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, LaVerne Kovarik; and his parents, Charles and Stella Kovarik as well as his in-laws Joseph and Ann Beranek.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 12, 2014 from 4 to 8 pm at Norris-Walen-Segert Funeral Home, 132 Fremont St. (one block north of Washington St. and Main) West Chicago. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the Funeral Home. Reverend Dr. David Balla, and Pastor Fred Gaede officiating. Interment St. Patrick’s Cemetery in McHenry. Contributions in Richard’s memory can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 331 George St., West Chicago, IL 60185.
For information 630-231-0060 or www.norriswalensegertfh.com