Henry "Hank" Kovar

Funeral Mass for Henry “Hank” Kovar IV, 97, of Dickinson, formerly of New Engalnd, will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 9, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New England with Father Dennis Schafer celebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Military rites will be presented by New England American Legion Post #66.

Visitation for Henry will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 8th at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson with a rosary and vigil service being held at 6:00 p.m.

Henry passed away Saturday, February 3, 2024 at his residence in Hawk’s Point.

Henry William Kovar was born in Slope County ND on February 21, 1926, the son of Henry Kovar III and Anna (Paska) Kovar. He grew up on the family ranch near Amidon where he also attended country school. In 1944, Hank graduated from New England Public School. At the age of 17, Hank enlisted in the US Navy and served during WWII. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Amidon. On September 17, 1946, Hank married Ardelle Johnson at Sts. Peter & Paul of Amidon. The couple moved to New England and it was here where they raised their family of nine children. Hank began working for Fullerton Lumber Company and continued to manage the yard for over 40 years. Although he retired, he enjoyed staying busy all around New England helping with maintenance, managing Gaming for the Legion, and volunteering where ever he could. Hank was instrumental in the New England community, serving as an officer for the Bowling Association, serving as a volunteer fireman, city council member (brought MDU to New England), American Legion member for over 78 years, board member of New England Golf Association and a volunteer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. 

Hank loved playing cards, pinochle, whist and poker to name a few. He was an avid fan of watching sports and playing Fantasy Football. His joy for traveling took Hank and Ardelle on trips all over the US, Hawaii, Alaska and Europe. Hank will be remembered for his charming personality and his trademark ‘smirk’.

Hank is survived by his sons, Dean of Great Falls, MT, Pat (Deb) of Dickinson; daughters, Bonnie Tharaldsen of Brooklyn Park, MN; Joanie (Steve) Narum of Douglas, ND, Karla Renfrow of Anadarko, OK, Arva (Neal) Steier of Dickinson; 17 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Rosina Kovar of Denver, CO, and Marvis Miller of Bowman, ND; Brother-in-law, Willis Johnson of Dickinson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry III and Anna Kovar; wife, Ardelle of 72 years (2018); sons, Bill, Ray and Casey Kovar; granddaughters, Sarah Kovar and Natalie Hankel; grandson, Jason Kovar; daughter-in-law, Linda Kovar; sons-in-law John Tharaldsen, Jimm Renfrow brother-in-law, Buster Miller; sisters-in-law, Inez Johnson and Jeanne Kovar. Siblings; Sr. Vivian Kovar, Gordon, Robert and Dennis Kovar. 

In lieu of flowers, Hank’s family suggest memorials to the local cemetery association or New England American Legion Post #66.