Ernest S. Kovatch

July 5, 1927 - Dec. 8, 2008

SOUTH BEND - Ernest S. Kovatch, 81, died at 8:21 p.m. Monday in Memorial Hospital. Ernie was born on July 5, 1927, to the late John O. and Anna (Gerschoffer) Kovatch. He was also preceded in death by four of his brothers, George Kovatch, Charlie Kovatch, Emery Kovatch and Donald Kovatch; and by his sister, Ann Kovatch.

On August 5, 1950, he married Mary Lou Pepple in South Bend, who survives along with their six children, Debra (Jim) Fraser of South Bend, Lisa (Ed) Szarkowicz of Lake Zurich, IL, Mike (Janie) Kovatch of Fishers, IN, Brad Kovatch of South Bend, Rev. Tom Kovatch of Bright, IN, and Scott (Jill) Kovatch of Granger; 14 grandchildren, Jenna, Evan, Allison, Michele, Teresa and James Ernest Kovatch, Sean, Jessica, Adam and Stephen Kovatch, Eddie, Matthew, Kathryn and Thomas Szarkowicz; a sister, Vera Eastburn of South Bend; and a brother, John Kovatch of South Bend.

He was a great-grandfather of Tori Burke and Keaton Kovatch.

Ernie graduated from Riley High School in 1945 where he played football and basketball. He was chosen for the Indiana Basketball All-Star team in 1945. He was also a member of the first inductee class for the Riley High School Hall of Fame. He graduated from Indiana University in 1951 where he also played football and basketball. He received the Clevenger Award and the Balfor Award for Indiana University. He captained the last IU football team to defeat Notre Dame back in 1950.

Ernie was a teacher and guidance counselor for the South Bend School Corporation for 37 years. He also served in the United States Army and was a prisoner of war in North Korea. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Dec. 11, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 1827 E. Ireland Road, where a Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. Friends may gather at The Cathedral of St. Matthew for the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, December 12. Presider of this Mass will be the Reverend Tom Kovatch, Ernie's son. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery, South Bend, with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Cathedral, 1701 Miami St., South Bend, IN 46613; or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. For those who are unable to attend the funeral liturgy, condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Dec. 11 to Dec. 12, 2008.

07/07/2023 EJS

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