John J. "Johnnie" Kovach

John Kovach Obituary

JOHN J. KOVACH "JOHNNIE" WHITING, IN

John J. "Johnnie" Kovach, 82 of Whiting passed away Monday, January 3, 2011 at the William J. Riley Memorial Residence, Munster. "Johnnie" was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jacqueline "Jackie" (nee Hudak) on August 16, 1988 after 35 years of marriage. Loving father and grandfather of Mary Beth (Brian), Erin and John Connor Stickney of Norcross, GA, John "Butch" (Karen), Jessica, Kristine, Jackie and Kyle Kovach of Munster, Karl, Emily and Molly Kovach of Hollister, CA and Jim (Melinda), Andrew and Natalie Kovach of Plymouth, MN; dear brother of Joseph (Helen) Kovach of Whiting and the late Donald and Chuck Kovach; nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, Whiting with the Rev. Stanley J. Dominik, officiating. Entombment, Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. Visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 2:00-5:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. John Kovach was born on October 2, 1928 in Whiting, IN to the late Karol and Mary (Drabick) Kovach and was a lifelong resident of the Whiting- Robertsdale community. He was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1946 and was a WWII Army veteran serving with the 8th Cavalry Division in Omiya and Tokyo, Japan and was a member of Gen. Douglas MacArthur's Honor Guard Detail. He was a lifelong and devoted member of the Immaculate Conception Church, Whiting, where he had served as president of the Parish Council and was choir director for many years. A member of the 4th Degree, Abraham Lincoln General Assembly of Lake County and the Knights of Columbus, Pope John XXIII Council, 1696 (prayers Friday at 8:00pm) where he was the director of the "Knight Sounds" Choral Group. He was a past president of the American Slovak Club; past president and manager of the Robertsdale Little League, past president of the George Rogers Clark High School Adult Booster Club, was a member of "Play it again Sam" over 60 hardball baseball league and the Whiting Amicus semi-pro football team. He retired from the Amoco Oil Company in 1989 as Senior Safety Engineer, Coordinator of Safety Administration after 42 years of service both at the Whiting Refinery and the General Office in Chicago. He worked for Amoco Pipeline after his retirement for two years in Oakbrook, IL. John was dedicated to his family, friends and community and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of the Calumet Area, William J. Riley Memorial Residence, Munster, IN. (219) 659-4400

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Published by The Times from Jan. 6 to Jan. 7, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John Kovach

7 Entries

January 9, 2011

Mary Beth & family,
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you all these past few days. We are so very sorry for your loss. Your dad will never be forgotten, but rather remembered with smiles. Hugs to you all,
Love, Judy & Kenny

Ralph Rewers

January 9, 2011

Butch, Karl, Jim and Marybeth, My sincerest condolences on your great loss. Mr K. was always one for a good story, a hearty laugh and shot and a beer. Whenever we would be in town, he would always stop by and we would have a great visit. His love for all his family was so evident. I know we will all miss him but can find solace in the fact that he is now in a great place reunited with Mrs. K. I wish we could be there live with you during this difficult time but our thoughts and prayers are with you. We all will miss him. Ralph, Kitty and Sophie (grandma) Rewers

Nick Voris

January 7, 2011

"Butch", Karl, and Family: I was sadden to hear that your father had passed. Your father was a very strong man, not only physically,but also in character, loyalty, and friendship. When I came to Texas, I started telling stories about your father. When I first came to Clark, he was the President of the Adult Booster Club. I will NEVER forget the first day I met him, your mother, and your family. It was in your garage, and after having shots and drinking beer for hours, that visit was my first and only one that day. He played a major role in making it possible to paint the Fort Pioneer locker room blue and white before the first football practice. The Hammond School District painted the new room diarrhea yellow with dark brown trim. He also assisted in having our family and friends quarterback club at Jimmy's Saloon. What a man! I shall miss him. It will be hard to visit Robertsdale and not be able to visit my friend at 1646 Brown Avenue to converse about the old days and sip a few. I hope the two of you and your family will soon find lasting comfort in the high regard everyone had of your father. God Bless, Coach Voris; Galveston, Texas

Grace Marie Lordo

January 7, 2011

We offer our deepest sympathy on hearing of the passing of your Dad and grandfather and my cousin Johnnie. I have some great memories of all the good times we spent with him. Our prayers are with all his family. All our love. Grace Marie and Bob Lordoand family. Aunt Bettys daughter.

Jeanne Fowler

January 6, 2011

Our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your wonderful dad/grandfather. He was very special to our family and we have many fond memories of the kind, generous man one of our grandsons simply called, "Kobotch". This never failed to put a smile on John's face. I have no doubt he is singing in heaven right now, with Jackie. God bless you all. He will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered.

Nancy and Leeza Campagna

January 6, 2011

Mary Beth and Family,
We are so sorry for the lose of your Dad/Grandfather. Though we are miles away our thoughts and prayers will be with you all during this week.
Much Love,

Joan O'Drobinak

January 6, 2011

My sincerest condolences to the family on the loss of John "Johnnie" Kovach... one of the nicest people I have ever met. He will be greatly missed.

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