Joan G Kovach

Joan G. Kovach, 91, peacefully passed away at home on Friday, February 27, 2026 surrounded by family and friends.

Joan was born on February 13, 1935 in South Bend, IN to the late Joseph J and Margaret A (Nemeth) Kovach. Joan is also preceded in death by her loving companion of 25 years, “Buck” Cecil Buck, Jr.; her sister and best friend, Barbara Kovach; brothers, Joseph Kovach, Charles Kovach, and Richard Kovach.

Left to cherish their memories of Joan are her niece, Gena (Travis) Steinke Kelly and their son, who she considered a grandson, Phoenix Kelly; cousin, Kathy Jachimiak; longtime best friend, Jane Nielson; special close friends, Pam & Dennis Shemanski; and many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Joan worked various positions for many years in the office at the Bendix Corporation. She enjoyed watching sports, especially wrestling, football, and anything Notre Dame. Joan was able to attend a live midget wrestling event while in Tennessee in her final years. She loved golfing, gardening, fishing, flying, trips to the casino, and vacationing. Joan and Buck enjoyed going on hunting trips and to the lake. They built a lake house together where she spent many years fishing. They also took short flights in Buck’s small plane for breakfast in many different places, Rochester had a special restaurant off a field, they could just land and walk right over to the restaurant. Joan spent the past few years traveling and vacationing with Travis, Gena, and Phoenix.  

A committal service will be held at 1:00PM, on Friday, March 6, 2026 in the chapel at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, 375 W. Cleveland Rd., Granger, IN.

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