John Stephen Kovar, 93, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at St. Louis
University Hospital after a brief illness. John was born on April 3, 1930, in Granite
City, Illinois to parents, John and Julia (nee Janci) Kovar. He married Louise Ann
Bagi in May of 1957. He and his young family moved to rural Collinsville, Illinois in
1961.

John was employed by Granite City Steel in Granite City, Illinois, in 1949 and
retired in 1994 after more than 45 years of service. He was a proud veteran of the
United States Navy, serving on the aircraft carrier USS Randolph from 1951 to
1954.

John was an avid gardener and enjoyed working in his yard. He was a beekeeper
for many years, as well as a very talented woodworker. He was a long-time
member of Town & Country Gun Club in Maryville, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Louise; parents, John and Julia
Kovar; sister, Helen and her husband, Bill Lovell; and brother, Joseph Kovar.

Survivors include his sons, John L. (Jo Ann) Kovar and Steve Kovar; grandsons, Alex
and Andrew Kovar; sister-in-law, Maria (late Joseph) Kovar; and many nieces,
nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held from 10:00 a.m. until noon Saturday, July
15, 2023, at Sunset Hill Funeral, Cemetery & Cremation Services, 50 Fountain Dr,
Glen Carbon, IL 62034 (618-656-3220). Online condolences may be left for John's
family at www.herrfuneral.com/obits.

Following the visitation and service, family and friends will gather at Ravanelli's
Italian Restaurant, 26 Collinsport Dr., Collinsville, IL 62234 for lunch and
refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in John's name may be sent to the Metro East
Humane Society, 8495 State Route 143 Edwardsville, IL 62025 (618-656-4405).