Jack Kovacevich's Obituary
John Francis 'Jack' Kovacevich, 67, of Rathbun, passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at his home. Jack was born August 1, 1949 in Centerville, the son of John M. and Tina (Morris) Kovacevich. He graduated from Centerville High School in 1967, where he is still remembered as one of the greatest athletes in school history. After high school, Jack played football at Indian Hills Community College until 1968, when he and his buddy, Jack DalPonte, decided to serve their country and enlist in the United States Navy. Jack served as a Boatswain's Mate on the USS Coontz until December 28, 1970 when he was deployed to Da Nang, Vietnam, where he was assigned as a Sentry Dog Handler and Military Police Officer in the K-9 Division; Monkey Mountain Security Detachment of the United States Naval Support Facility with his beloved dog, 'Crazy Con.' Jack was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1972. Jack returned home to Southern Iowa after the military and worked for Pepsi, Coke and The Foundry. He began working for Anderson-Erickson in 1987 and worked there for 23 years until he retired. After retirement, Jack enjoyed mowing at the Appanoose County Country Club until his health would no longer allow. On February 10, 1973 he married Susan Breese. From this union were 4 children; Missy, Mendy. Matt and Megan. They later divorced. Jack was an avid sports fan and could be found umpiring countless baseball and softball games and took special pride in coaching his children. Jack loved his family, friends, the Oklahoma Sooners, the Dallas Cowboys and the Cincinnati Reds (not necessarily in that order!). On August 15, 1993 Jack married the love of his life, Debbie Fetters (Mema), at their home in Rathbun. Jack and Deb enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren, dancing, and just being with each other. Jack is survived by his wife of 23 years, Debbie Kovacevich of Rathbun, son Matt (Tarah Moore) Kovacevich of Centerville, daughters Missy (Jerod) Shaffer and Mendy (Justin) Kratofil of Centerville and Megan (Trevor Rennee) Kovacevich of Chesapeake, Virginia. Jack is also survived by children Tanya Pershy and Tyson (Jeri) Pershy all of Centerville, Truett (Sheena) Pershy of Corydon, Teather (Andy) Ingold of Storm Lake, and Jada Belloma of Donnellson; sister Mary 'Dolly' Little of Fort Dodge, and brothers Bill (Deedee) Kovacevich of Oceanside, California, and Joe (Linda) Kovacevich of San Diego, California. Also, his mother-in-law Barbara Fetters of Promise City, Danny (Jane) Fetters of Oskaloosa, and his Godfather, Richard Glovas of Rathbun. Papa Jack is survived by his grandchildren: Kelsie (Denver) Walker, Levi (Siara Thompson) Sebolt, Libby Sebolt, Makenna Pershy and London Ingold, Brody and Karlee Johnson, Matty Kovacevich, Irelyn Rennee, Zac Kratofil, Braydin and Hannah Shaffer, Riley (Dakota Susin) Drake, Savannah (Ryan) Trower, Mackenzie (Josh) Owens, Skyler, Chase and Dylan Drake, Kiana Beavers and Kyree Pershy, Teagen, Ellasen and Zayden Seddon, Tralyn Kratofil and Taya Jo Belloma; 3 great-grandchildren, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; John M. and Tina (Morris) Kovacevich, father-in-law Dwight Fetters, brothers-in law Doug Fetters and Dennis Fetters, and sister-in-law Darla Ann Fetters. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jack Kovacevich please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Oakland Cemetery E. State St. & N. 21st St.
Centerville, IA 52544 Visitation DEC 12. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CST) Thomas Funeral Home - Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected] Funeral Service DEC 13. 10:00 AM (CST) Thomas Funeral Home-Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544http://www.thomasfh.com
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