Jean Kovach

Jean Elizabeth Kovach, born July 6, 1925, passed away on July 26, 2013, at Prescott Samaritan Village in Prescott, Ariz.

Jean was born in Wausau, the daughter of Damon and Alma (Genrich) Walters. At the age of 16, Jean graduated from Wausau High School and began her long career working for Greyhound Lines and Wisconsin-Michigan Coaches. She was known in Wausau for many years as "the bus depot lady," but her proudest times were working for Greyhound during WWII in Billings and Butte, Mont.

After the war, Jean returned to Wausau and married the love of her life, William "Bill" Kovach, on May 11, 1946. After their retirements, Jean and Bill traveled the country before permanently settling in 1990 in Prescott, where Bill preceded her in death in 1994.

Jean was an active member at First Lutheran Church and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 6, both in Prescott, AZ.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Jodie (Bob) Herod, of Prescott, AZ; sons, Stanley (Cheryll) Kovach, of Stevens Point, Marvin (Marian) Kovach, of DePere, and Ralph Kovach of Prescott, AZ; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Jean is also survived by her sister, Phyllis Bliese, and brothers, David (Joan) Walters and Phillip Walters, all of Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by brother, Lawrence Walters.

It is fitting that Jean's passing was at Samaritan Village because in her life she was truly a good Samaritan, giving generously of her time, talents and resources to so many, especially those less fortunate.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to First Lutheran Ladies League, 231 W. Smoketree Lane, Prescott, AZ 86301 or the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 6, 202 South Pleasant St., Prescott, AZ 86303.

A service will be held at 5 p.m., Thursday, August 1st, at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau. Reverend Steven Gjerde, of Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau, will officiate. Interment will be in Restlawn Memorial Park. Family will receive guests on Thursday, at the funeral home, beginning at 2 p.m. until the time of service.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff of Prescott Samaritan Village who took such wonderful and loving care of "Jeannie Beanie" for the last two years.