Kenneth Kovatch

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Kenneth Frank Kovatch

A resident of Cottage Grove for 59 years, Ken was passionate about childhood education and worked in District 833 for 30 years. While a Principal, Ken opened and closed Grove Elementary school; in between he also opened Armstrong Elementary school and served as the district curriculum director. Ken impacted the lives of many teachers and children throughout his career and one of his greatest compliments was being recognized by former students and having a chance to speak with them.  This occurred throughout his 29 years of retirement and it always made him smile.

Ken was an active member of Rose of Sharon Lutheran Church since the early 1960s.  He was involved when the church expanded on its original location (now Walgreens off of 80th  St.) and when it moved to its current location on 70th Street. He could often be found sitting in the front of the church during worship or socializing with friends with dessert in hand.

Ken traveled extensively during retirement and one of his greatest joys was time spent with his family.  His generous soul will be remembered by many through: his regular visits with cherished friends, including his principal group, and those shut-in or hospitalized, his love for those he cared for by simply and consistently being present at his children’s and grandchildren’s events, and the gifting of his beautifully embroidered towels to friends and family. He felt blessed with O negative blood which could be used by everyone. Therefore, he was a consistent blood donor and was recognized for having contributed more than 116 pints of blood since 1986.

Ken is survived by wife and traveling partner of 67 years, Elaine; children, Mark (Sandra), Greg, Melissa Lueders (Scott), and Eric (Doreen); grandchildren, Nicholas and Nathan (Anna) Kovatch, Tess Green (Joshua), Jake Lueders, Acieona and Ekaterin Kovatch, and Martelle Shaw (Lavonte); great grandchildren, Ezra and Stella Green, and Ileyana Shaw; sister, Betty Thompson (Russell). He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Laura Kovatch; and son-in-law, David Galgano.

Public visitation 9-10:30 AM with private family funeral beginning at 11 AM, Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Rose of Sharon Lutheran Church, 6875 Jamaica Ave. S., Cottage Grove, MN, 55016. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Lakeland, MN.

Memorials preferred to the church or Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Dr., St. Louis, MO, 63141-9584.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to accommodate gatherings while abiding to a 50% capacity at the facility. The use of face masks by attendees is required at indoor events, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep your families safe. Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available on the obituary portion on our website.