Michael John Kovacovich

Michael John Kovacovich, age 70, passed away on April 6, 2025, in Bemidji, Minnesota.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cease Family Funeral Home located at 2807 Irvine Ave NW in Bemidji. A memorial service will follow on Friday, April 25, 2025, at First Lutheran Church at 900 Bemidji Avenue N in Bemidji. Visitation will begin at noon with services starting at 1:00 PM. A luncheon will follow the service.
Born on June 15, 1954, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Michael graduated from Robbinsdale Senior High School in 1972 and went on to earn degrees in Parks & Recreation Management and Horticulture from the University of Minnesota, Crookston, in 1975. He enjoyed a 37-year career with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in State Park management, working at seven State Parks over the years; including Flandreau, McCarthy Beach, Scenic, William O'Brien, Jay Cooke, Savanna Portage, and finally Itasca State Park, where he served as park manager for 17 years. He concluded his career as the Northwest Regional Park Director until his retirement in 2014.
Michael spent the next seven years driving his beloved daughter, Laura, 25 miles each way to Lake George and back so she could meet her bus to and from the Hubbard County DAC program. He did this until she was able to move into a group home in Park Rapids. Michael also served as a board member of the Lake Plantagenet Landowner's Association, the Hubbard County DAC, and on the Hubbard County Planning Commission. He enjoyed reading, cooking, fishing, hunting, camping, spending time with friends and family, and taking road trips or traveling overseas with his family.
A devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend, Michael is survived by his wife of 39 years, Dawn Kovacovich; daughters Laura, of Park Rapids, and Katherine "Katie" of St. Paul; son Bradley of Minneapolis; and his mother, Theresa Kovacovich. He also leaves behind two sisters and two brothers and their spouses: Carol Jacobson; Mark (Robyn) Kovacovich, Donald (April) Kovacovich, and Joan (Juan Carlos Ordoñez) Kovacovich. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, along with their partners, including Kristin (Ben) Davenport, Mary Kovacovich, Scott (Zoe Zoretich) Kovacovich; Charles (Ashly Larson) Kovacovich; Anthony (Missy Zelmer) Kovacovich; and Lucas and Lucia Ordoñez.
Michael's extended family also includes in-laws Joseph (Anne Munger) Meidt; Wendy Meidt; Doug (Julie) Meidt; David Meidt; Nicole (Mike) Chittenden; niece Amia Chittenden and nephews Cole Meidt, Cade Meidt, and Callen Chittenden. He also considered his many close friends, cousins, coworkers, and neighbors to be part of his extended family.
Michael was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Ann Kovacovich; father, Roddy Kovacovich; brother-in-law, David Jacobson; and mother-in-law, Marlys Meidt. Michael was forever grateful for the influence of his late Uncle Tony, who introduced him to his passion for the outdoors as a young adult. That early inspiration grew into a lifelong vocation of stewardship.
Throughout his life, Michael placed family above all else. He was deeply devoted to Dawn and their three children. He shared his personality and passions with his children, each reflecting different facets of himself. His unique connection with Laura; teasing and joking, repeating scripted routines, and placing her needs above his own is a true reflection of his supportive character. Michael's love of sports, the outdoors, sarcastic humor, and gifts of storytelling were just a few things that he closely shared with Katie and Brad. His time with them feels cut too short for all that is yet to come in their lives. He and Dawn loved hosting gatherings that brought people together and also immensely enjoyed their many travels together, especially during his retirement years. Their home on Lake Plantagenet was a sanctuary where he found peace- often beginning his mornings fishing with a thermos of coffee at his side.
Michael will be deeply missed, not only for his professional accomplishments and commitment to public service, but also for being a rock of stability within both his family and workplace. His leadership, generous spirit, and strength of character have left a legacy that will be felt for generations.
Flowers, plants, and memorials can be sent to Cease Funeral Home. In honor of Mike's commitment and care for this earth, and his services to the DNR, donations also can be made to Minnesota's Future Forest Fund through the MN Department of Natural Resources website: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/gifts/future_forests.html.
Katie and Brad have also set up an email account for memories, photos, and stories about Mike to be shared, so the family can read and enjoy them for years to come: mjktribute@gmail.com.