George David Kovarik

George David Kovarik, of Osceola, IN passed away peacefully on January 23, 2022 surrounded by his family.  George was born September 21, 1945 in New Prague, MN to George and Sylvia Kovarik and is survived by his wife of 54 years Patricia, sister Irene Kovarik (and Art Bolduc), and daughters Shelley Suckow (and Scott), Amy Kovarik (and Jason Maki), Laura Cronkhite (and Billy), and grandchildren Aidan and Sylvia Suckow, Nicholas Kovarik, and Billy and Samantha Cronkhite, and several relatives and friends near and far.  George was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Darlene Kovarik.

George grew up on his family’s farm in New Prague, MN and had love for cars, cards (Pfeffer and bridge), music and baseball, including playing semi-pro baseball in Minnesota.  He had a great love for his wife, Pat, who he met at Mankato State University, MN in 1963 and married in 1967.  George joined the Army in 1967 and served 6 years earning the rank of Sergeant for combat training and then served with the medical unit.  George later found a career as a sales manager and worked in insurance and office equipment sales for several years earning numerous awards for his successes.  Pat and George moved to Duluth, MN in 1976 where they raised their girls on Fish Lake in Fredenberg, MN.  George and the family have many fond memories of living in their “little bit of heaven”, enjoying the lake including fishing year-round, swimming, water skiing, skating and snowmobiling and gardening.

George and Pat then moved to Henderson, NV in 1998 where he continued his career in sales and then later retired.  He and Pat enjoyed playing duplicate bridge and George also taught the game. They also enjoyed the sunny weather, going to the gym, and the $1.99 breakfast specials.   In September 2020, George and Pat moved to Osceola, IN to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren.  They continued to play bridge, and George achieved the rank of Emerald Life Master in November 2021.

George was a supporting member of the Future Farmers of America, Alpha Kappa Omega (AKO) Fraternity, the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, American Contract Bridge League and the Las Vegas Athletic Club.

George was surrounded by his family and loved by many from afar at the time of his death. The family is grateful for all of the thoughtful words and prayers.  A local mass and memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mishawaka, IN at 10:00 am followed by a brief reception at the church.   The family expects to also visit New Prague and Duluth, Minnesota and Henderson, Nevada in the future for other memorial gatherings and will provide dates at a later time.

Memorial donations can be sent to Lewy Body Dementia Association ( lbda.org ) to help raise awareness and find a cure for the disease; or to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN.  To leave a message of comfort for the Kovarik family, light a virtual candle in George's memory, or share a story of his life, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.