Obituary of Kathleen Carey Kovar

Kovar, Kathleen Carey 78, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2023. She lived in Mendota Heights, MN following the death of her husband John J. Kovar after 39 years of marriage.

Kathy Kovar was Born August 27, 1944, in Portland, OR to the late Lyall and Mary Elizabeth (Carey) Peterson. In 1946 her family moved to Austin, MN and then in 1950, to Alexandria, MN. In 1966, she received a BS degree in Art History from the University of Minnesota.  She was married in 1970 to her loving husband, John Kovar. After her husband’s active military service, they moved to Swanville, MN and later to Little Falls, MN where Kathy was a teacher.  In 2006 they happily retired to their lake home in Longville, MN.

“The grass never grows under her feet”.

A phrase Kathy’s mother often used to describe her eldest daughter’s vibrancy. She played piano, enjoyed golf, water skiing, snowshoeing, biking, traveling, art history, knitting, volunteering, and teaching art to all ages of students.  She especially loved helping her grandchildren develop their artistic expression.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her sibling: Connie Peterson.  She is survived by her son; John K. Kovar and his wife Katie; grandchildren: Ellie, Jack, and Clara; siblings: Mary Jo Peterson (spouse Gary Franklin) and Lyall Brian Peterson.

Funeral Mass to be held at 10:30 am on Monday, August 21, 2023 at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 1938 Stanford Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105. Visitation one hour prior to service.

Kathy will be missed by all who knew, admired, and loved her. 

Willwerscheid Funeral Home (651) 222-9887  willwerscheid.com