Mike was my friend and valued co-worker. He taught me much about life and we accomplished much together and I will miss him.
Michael S. Kovach
Michael S. Kovach
January 31, 1956 ~ March 2, 2012
Michael S. Kovach, 56, of Lakeside Drive, died at 5:22 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, at Indiana University Hospital. Mr. Kovach was a 1974 graduate of Columbus East High School where he was active in football, basketball and baseball. He graduated from Hanover College in 1978 with a BS in Finance. Mike played football at Hanover his freshman and sophomore years and was awarded the Wall Street Business Award his senior year. He had been employed at Cummins Engine Company since 1978, first in the finance department, then moving to production supervision and finally to purchasing. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed fishing and playing the stock market. Born in Chicago, Ill., Jan. 31, 1956, Mr. Kovach was the son of Casper and Dorothy Giczi Kovach. Survivors include a brother, James F. (Sandra) Kovach of Columbus, IN; a sister, Karin M. France of Spring, TX; his longtime companion, Judy Burke of Seymour, IN; a niece, Katelin M. Kovach, who enjoyed a special closeness with her Uncle Mike; an aunt, Irene Chamberlain of Wiley, TX; and cousins, Katharine Chamberlain of Austin, TX, Patricia Chamberlain of Aubrey, TX, Susan Sobieski of Citrus Springs, FL, Nancy (Brian) Frantz of Citrus Springs, FL, and John (Dale) Sobieski of Citrus Springs, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents. SERVICES: 6:00 p.m. Friday March 2, 2012 at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home VISITATION: 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home CONTRIBUTIONS: Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
January 31, 1956 ~ February 27, 2012
Michael S. Kovach, 56, of Lakeside Drive, died at 5:22 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, at Indiana University Hospital.
Mr. Kovach was a 1974 graduate of Columbus East High School where he was active in football, basketball and baseball. He graduated from Hanover College in 1978 with a BS in Finance. Mike played football at Hanover his freshman and sophomore years and was awarded the Wall Street Business Award his senior year.
He had been employed at Cummins Engine Company since 1978, first in the finance department, then moving to production supervision and finally to purchasing. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed fishing and playing the stock market.
Born in Chicago, Ill., Jan. 31, 1956, Mr. Kovach was the son of Casper and Dorothy Giczi Kovach.
Survivors include a brother, James F. (Sandra) Kovach of Columbus, IN; a sister, Karin M. France of Spring, TX; his longtime companion, Judy Burke of Seymour, IN; a niece, Katelin M. Kovach, who enjoyed a special closeness with her Uncle Mike; an aunt, Irene Chamberlain of Wiley, TX; and cousins, Katharine Chamberlain of Austin, TX, Patricia Chamberlain of Aubrey, TX, Susan Sobieski of Citrus Springs, FL, Nancy (Brian) Frantz of Citrus Springs, FL, and John (Dale) Sobieski of Citrus Springs, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
SERVICES: 6:00 p.m. Friday March 2, 2012 at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home
VISITATION: 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home
CONTRIBUTIONS: Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
-
-
Dear Karin,
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. I can only imagine the heartache you are feeling at this very moment. This is the time for gathering and sharing all the greatest memories of his life with others. Keep these thoughts close to your heart and hold in peace all the happy times you shared with Michael. Love lives on and I hope you find comfort in knowing that others are hold you close to their hearts during this very difficult time.Love,
JoAnn Keenan -
Mike, goodbye my friend…till we meet again. You will surely be missed by so many. My heart and prayers go out to his family in this time of need. I went to HS at Columbus East with Mike and had just recently reconnected with him. God bless you all.
-
God Bless Your Entire Family at this sorrowful time you are in our families prayers
-
I grew up across the street from The Kovach family. I want to share my memory of Mike. One year as we were all ice-skating (ice hockey) on the frozen Sandy Hook lake, a younger boy fell through the ice. We all screamed and just sat frozen in fear. Mike and Jimmy saw what happened from their back window. In less than 10 seconds, Mike came running out of their house, no shoes on and sprinted out onto the ice. About 10 feet from shore, he looked like he was on a surf board as he slide closer to the hole that had swallowed this young boy. None of knew Mike or Jimmy very well, after all, we were 10 years younger than them and they were these gigantic, cool, cute teenage boys. That day Mike was like a Superhero. His giant hand reached in the water, he pulled the boy out, returned to shore, and told the boy he should go home and put dry clothes on! Then he walked back up the steps to his balcony and went inside. Mike was our Hero that day…the only thing he was missing was a cape. This happened about 35 years ago and I still remember it like it was yesterday. Thank you Mike for giving all of us neighborhood kids a hero!
-
Mike and I played football together in high school. We didn’t have the best record in the conference, but we worked hard and learned the true meaning of “team work”. He was a great team mate. Our deepest sympathy to family.
-
May peace be with you Mike. Naomi and I will miss you dearly. You were a great friend, golfing buddy and fishing buddy. Take care Judy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
-
My deepest sympathies go to Mike’s family and Judy. I will always remember his bright smile, competitive spirit on the golf course, insight on Cummins and our several discussions on knees and hips!. I truly enjoyed working with him from a supplier standpoint but also as a friend.
-
With deep sympathy to Mike’s family and Judy, Mike’s enduring friendship and competitive spirit will always be remembered.
-
Mike will be sadly missed as my good friend and Cummins colleague. My deepest sympathy to his family and Judy.
-
Mike will truly be missed as a great friend and a terrific golf partner. Saturday and Sunday golf won’t be the same without him. Judy, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and Mikes’ family at this difficult time.
-
I met this fabulous man through the Hatton family and had the privilege to play many golf outings with him over the past 20 years.
The first day I met him it seemed as though I had known him forever. He always exuded a zest,zeal, and enthusiasm for his family,work,and friends. His gentlemanly demeanor and warm smile will be truly missed. But,our fond memories of him will not be forgotten. May the Lord bless him and keep him. May the Lord shine His light upon him. May the Lord grant him peace. God Bless our friend. MRT -
Judy – We are so sorry for your loss. You have been in my thoughts since telling us Mike was sick. May God be with you at this difficult time.
-
Mike was my customer for the last 15 years, and I considered him a friend as well. We played golf many times together, and he was truly a nice guy. My sympathy goes to his friends and family.
-
Mike was a good friend and work colleague at Cummins. I had known him for almost 15 years. I remember most his thoughtfulness — when another work friend passed away a few years back, Mike called me to say “..I know you’re not in the group anymore, but I thought you’d want to know”. He was always helpful and informative. He will, and already is, being missed. My sincere condolescences to his family and closer friends for the loss of a special person.
-
My deepest sympathies to Mike’s family and friends.You will be missed by all who’s life you touched.
-
Mike,
I was blessed to have you as a part of my life. Thank you for loving me! We share a love with one another that will continue throughout the years.
Judy -
I knew Mike briefly through my son, Steve Broderick, when Mike and I were both researching hip surgery a few years ago. He was so responsive and we shared information and communicated through emails quite often. He gave me some great information and we shared ideas and concerns.
He seemed to be happy with his surgery outcome and after that we lost touch. However I know Steve has been in contact with, and friends with, Mike for many years. Mike was known by everyone in our family as a truly nice guy and I know Steve will miss him a great deal.
As for me, I would like to send my sympathies to his friends and family and say that I also was devastated to hear of his passing.
Although this may not give solace to those hurting now, I feel very strongly that Mike is in a better place and at peace.My deepest condolences,
Bobbi Broderick -
Jim, Sandy, Katelin and Kovach Family,
We so very sorry for your loss of Mike.
Mo and Debbie Holman and Family
-
Mike will certainly be missed! I was fortunate to see the happiness that he and Judy had together. I know that Judy will so miss that but she will cherish the time she spent with him. Thanks Mike for always supporting our family!!
-
I met Mike 27 years ago, in 1985 when we started a business relationship that grew into a good friendship.
Mike was smart, kind, considerate, jovial, funny, fun loving, big hearted, and an overall great person.
He loved his family and Judy and he spoke of them all very often.
He loved sports; but his knees gave out; so he mainly enjoyed playing golf or watching sports. He was a really good athlete and a good golfer; though his swing was not real pretty ?
Mike always said what he thought, which was very refreshing.
Mike was a shrewd businessman who passed up many promotions (I think) mainly because he didn?t really want to manage people and therefore have to reprimand or possibly fire them. Yet he wasn?t afraid to ruffle feathers, nor say what he thought in business. His bosses and their bosses will never know how much he contributed, and how much money he made for Cummins.
Mike was there for me often. He helped me lose my long time girlfriend- which was a great thing. He was there for us at our wedding, when we almost got divorced, and when we had our children. He used to always say to my wife when parting; ?Krista, I am glad you got to see me?.
We are extremely glad Mike met Judy. He loved her very much and she was his saint especially when he needed her most.
Mike was a good friend. My wife Krista and I loved him and I will miss him very much.
-
Words cannot express how truly saddened I feel with the loss of Michael. I met him after I finished graduate school and was working in Indianapolis. He was a very special part of my life for the following several years. His smile could light up a room, and that is what I remember the most. He became a member of my family and was loved by all of us. He had such a large heart, and so easily made friends. Jim and family, and Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. There are not many ‘Michaels’ in this world like him. He will be sorely missed. Sincerely, Julie
-
While we didn’t spend much time together, we had a memorable trip to Canada together. I will really miss the big teddy bear!
-
Dear Kovach family and his beloved ones,
Having been sitting next to Mike for a year at work, I still vividly remember Mike’s wise and thorough answers to those work related questions, his fun suggestions in the fishing discussion, and his magnetic laughter that could cheer you up no matter how low you drop.
Cool Mike, you’ll always be missed!
Once upon a time your neighbor at work – Jing
-
A sympathy card has been sent to the family of Michael S. Kovach c/o Jewell-Rittman Funeral Home funeral home.
-
We are very sorry to hear about Mike’ pasing. Jim, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Cindy -
I will always remember Mikes big smile! We went to high school together and I have so many great memories that I will always cherish. God bless you Michael! You will be missed!
-
Mike was my customer for several years when I was working in US between 2004-2010. He was always “fair” to us/me and made my comfortable every time visiting him. It was always fun to have dinner/lunch but also business conversation. Hope all the famaily is doing fine.
-
Deepest sympathies. The video had to be so difficult to put together at this time. But was so nice for all of us that viewed it. Thank you.
-
A sympathy card has been sent to the family of Michael S. Kovach.
-
Our condolences and prayers go out to Michaels family, friends, sister Karin and brother Jim. Although its been many years since I’ve seen my cousins, I have fond memories of the time we spent with each others families in Fox Lake, Il. Michael’s Life Legacy speaks volumes to the person he was.
Scott Anderson & Family
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Dear Karin, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. I can only imagine the heartache you are feeling at this very moment. This is the time for gathering and sharing all the greatest memories of his life with others. Keep these thoughts close to your heart and hold in peace all the happy times you shared with Michael. Love lives on and I hope you find comfort in knowing that others are hold you close to their hearts during this very difficult time. Love, JoAnn Keenan
Mike was my friend and valued co-worker. He taught me much about life and we accomplished much together and I will miss him.
Mike will be sadly missed as my good friend and Cummins colleague. My deepest sympathy to his family and Judy.
With deep sympathy to Mike’s family and Judy, Mike’s enduring friendship and competitive spirit will always be remembered.
My deepest sympathies go to Mike’s family and Judy. I will always remember his bright smile, competitive spirit on the golf course, insight on Cummins and our several discussions on knees and hips!. I truly enjoyed working with him from a supplier standpoint but also as a friend.
May peace be with you Mike. Naomi and I will miss you dearly. You were a great friend, golfing buddy and fishing buddy. Take care Judy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and I played football together in high school. We didn’t have the best record in the conference, but we worked hard and learned the true meaning of “team work”. He was a great team mate. Our deepest sympathy to family.
I grew up across the street from The Kovach family. I want to share my memory of Mike. One year as we were all ice-skating (ice hockey) on the frozen Sandy Hook lake, a younger boy fell through the ice. We all screamed and just sat frozen in fear. Mike and Jimmy saw what happened from their back window. In less than 10 seconds, Mike came running out of their house, no shoes on and sprinted out onto the ice. About 10 feet from shore, he looked like he was on a surf board as he slide closer to the hole that had swallowed this young boy. None of knew Mike or Jimmy very well, after all, we were 10 years younger than them and they were these gigantic, cool, cute teenage boys. That day Mike was like a Superhero. His giant hand reached in the water, he pulled the boy out, returned to shore, and told the boy he should go home and put dry clothes on! Then he walked back up the steps to his balcony and went inside. Mike was our Hero that day…the only thing he was missing was a cape. This happened about 35 years ago and I still remember it like it was yesterday. Thank you Mike for giving all of us neighborhood kids a hero!
God Bless Your Entire Family at this sorrowful time you are in our families prayers
Mike, goodbye my friend…till we meet again. You will surely be missed by so many. My heart and prayers go out to his family in this time of need. I went to HS at Columbus East with Mike and had just recently reconnected with him. God bless you all.
Jim, Sandy, Katelin and Kovach Family, We so very sorry for your loss of Mike. Mo and Debbie Holman and Family
I knew Mike briefly through my son, Steve Broderick, when Mike and I were both researching hip surgery a few years ago. He was so responsive and we shared information and communicated through emails quite often. He gave me some great information and we shared ideas and concerns. He seemed to be happy with his surgery outcome and after that we lost touch. However I know Steve has been in contact with, and friends with, Mike for many years. Mike was known by everyone in our family as a truly nice guy and I know Steve will miss him a great deal. As for me, I would like to send my sympathies to his friends and family and say that I also was devastated to hear of his passing. Although this may not give solace to those hurting now, I feel very strongly that Mike is in a better place and at peace. My deepest condolences, Bobbi Broderick
Mike, I was blessed to have you as a part of my life. Thank you for loving me! We share a love with one another that will continue throughout the years. Judy
My deepest sympathies to Mike’s family and friends.You will be missed by all who’s life you touched.
Mike was a good friend and work colleague at Cummins. I had known him for almost 15 years. I remember most his thoughtfulness — when another work friend passed away a few years back, Mike called me to say “..I know you’re not in the group anymore, but I thought you’d want to know”. He was always helpful and informative. He will, and already is, being missed. My sincere condolescences to his family and closer friends for the loss of a special person.
Mike was my customer for the last 15 years, and I considered him a friend as well. We played golf many times together, and he was truly a nice guy. My sympathy goes to his friends and family.
Judy – We are so sorry for your loss. You have been in my thoughts since telling us Mike was sick. May God be with you at this difficult time.
I met this fabulous man through the Hatton family and had the privilege to play many golf outings with him over the past 20 years. The first day I met him it seemed as though I had known him forever. He always exuded a zest,zeal, and enthusiasm for his family,work,and friends. His gentlemanly demeanor and warm smile will be truly missed. But,our fond memories of him will not be forgotten. May the Lord bless him and keep him. May the Lord shine His light upon him. May the Lord grant him peace. God Bless our friend. MRT
Mike will truly be missed as a great friend and a terrific golf partner. Saturday and Sunday golf won’t be the same without him. Judy, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and Mikes’ family at this difficult time.
We are very sorry to hear about Mike’ pasing. Jim, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike and Cindy
card8|fh
Dear Kovach family and his beloved ones, Having been sitting next to Mike for a year at work, I still vividly remember Mike’s wise and thorough answers to those work related questions, his fun suggestions in the fishing discussion, and his magnetic laughter that could cheer you up no matter how low you drop. Cool Mike, you’ll always be missed! Once upon a time your neighbor at work – Jing
While we didn’t spend much time together, we had a memorable trip to Canada together. I will really miss the big teddy bear!
Words cannot express how truly saddened I feel with the loss of Michael. I met him after I finished graduate school and was working in Indianapolis. He was a very special part of my life for the following several years. His smile could light up a room, and that is what I remember the most. He became a member of my family and was loved by all of us. He had such a large heart, and so easily made friends. Jim and family, and Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. There are not many ‘Michaels’ in this world like him. He will be sorely missed. Sincerely, Julie
I met Mike 27 years ago, in 1985 when we started a business relationship that grew into a good friendship. Mike was smart, kind, considerate, jovial, funny, fun loving, big hearted, and an overall great person. He loved his family and Judy and he spoke of them all very often. He loved sports; but his knees gave out; so he mainly enjoyed playing golf or watching sports. He was a really good athlete and a good golfer; though his swing was not real pretty Mike always said what he thought, which was very refreshing. Mike was a shrewd businessman who passed up many promotions (I think) mainly because he didn’t really want to manage people and therefore have to reprimand or possibly fire them. Yet he wasn’t afraid to ruffle feathers, nor say what he thought in business. His bosses and their bosses will never know how much he contributed, and how much money he made for Cummins. Mike was there for me often. He helped me lose my long time girlfriend- which was a great thing. He was there for us at our wedding, when we almost got divorced, and when we had our children. He used to always say to my wife when parting; “Krista, I am glad you got to see me”. We are extremely glad Mike met Judy. He loved her very much and she was his saint especially when he needed her most. Mike was a good friend. My wife Krista and I loved him and I will miss him very much.
Mike will certainly be missed! I was fortunate to see the happiness that he and Judy had together. I know that Judy will so miss that but she will cherish the time she spent with him. Thanks Mike for always supporting our family!!
card4|family
Deepest sympathies. The video had to be so difficult to put together at this time. But was so nice for all of us that viewed it. Thank you.
Mike was my customer for several years when I was working in US between 2004-2010. He was always “fair” to us/me and made my comfortable every time visiting him. It was always fun to have dinner/lunch but also business conversation. Hope all the famaily is doing fine.
I will always remember Mikes big smile! We went to high school together and I have so many great memories that I will always cherish. God bless you Michael! You will be missed!
Our condolences and prayers go out to Michaels family, friends, sister Karin and brother Jim. Although its been many years since I’ve seen my cousins, I have fond memories of the time we spent with each others families in Fox Lake, Il. Michael’s Life Legacy speaks volumes to the person he was. Scott Anderson & Family