ALBERT P. KOVAC

1925 - 2015

Albert P. Kovac, 89, passed away October 3, 2015 at his home. He was born on October 22, 1925 on Strawberry Hill, a Croatian community in Kansas City Kansas. Albert attended St. John the Baptist elementary school and Wyandotte High School. He served in the Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946. Following his years of military service, he attended Washburn University and Washburn School of Law on the G.I. bill. He married Helen Mae Lesac in 1951, the year he began his law practice in Wyandotte County. Together they had five children. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Helen Mae, who passed in 2010, and two daughters, Janet Kovac Garrison and Jill Kovac Sharp. Albert practiced law in Wyandotte County for 56 years and served in the capacity of Kansas City, Kansas Police Court Judge from 1953 to 1956. In his private law practice he often did work for clients pro bono and for discounted fees for those unable to pay. He retired in 2007 to become a caregiver for his ailing wife. Al was a lifelong Kansas City, Kansas resident and a life-long member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, as well as a life member of the Strawberry Hill Museum. He enjoyed competitive sports, including golf and handball. He would never pass up an opportunity to play gin with his card partners. He read the newspaper daily and usually was able to complete the New York Times crossword puzzle. He was a sought-after ballroom dance partner. He will be remembered for his command of the English language, including his perfect diction and formal phrasing. He was unbelievably resilient, weathering the loss of two daughters and his wife. He continued to maintain a positive attitude throughout his life and considered himself to be very fortunate all his life. The respect of many friends and acquaintances will long hold true years after his passing and he will be fondly remembered and sadly missed. Survivors include his children, Jeannie Long (Dean), Overland Park, KS, Julie Ruyter (Maurice), Milpitas, CA, and James Kovac (Becky), Liberty, MO as well as six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 16, 2015 at 10:30 am in the chapel at the Strawberry Hill Museum, 720 N. 4th St.,KC,KS with visitation with the family beginning at 9:00 am, followed by inurnment in the Mausoleum at Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to St. John the Baptist Church or the Strawberry Hill Museum. Condolences: www.skradskifh-kc.com Skradski