Eugene L. Kovacs

Eugene L. Kovacs, 92 years, 3 months and 11 days old, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his loving wife, Frances, and his granddaughters, Nicole Diane Ferguson and Kelly Gene Klipfel, on Saturday, September 13, 2025.  He was born to the late Charles and Mary Kovacs.  Gene married Diane Martin in December of 1961, and their only child, Heidi Jill Kovacs, was born on June 25, 1966.  Heidi married Alan Northrop in 1988 and to this marriage two daughters were born, Nicole (Ryan) Ferguson and Kelly (Dave) Klipfel.  On June 8, 1996, Gene married Frances Josway-Kovacs, who is left to cherish 29 years of a wonderful marriage with Gene.  Gene served in the Korean War and came home and worked at Uniroyal for many years.  Also surviving are Gene's sister, Dolly Mortell, sister-in-law's Linda Kovacs and Janet Josway.  Brother-in-laws, Joseph Josway and Steve Josway. Nieces Linda Kiska, Beth (Charles) Manning, Vicky (Charles) Brown, Katlyn (Hoon) Josway, Julia Josway and Angie Josway.  Nephews, Don Benge, Steve (Nancy) Kovacs, Keith (Julie) Kovacs, Kyle Josway, and Douglas (Amanda) Josway.  Great grandsons, Kade Ferguson, Dallas Klipfel, Tripp Ferguson, and Dallas Klipfel.  And many great-nieces, and great-nephews.  Along with his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his daughter, Heidi Jill Kovacs Northrop, his mother-in-law, Frances Downey Josway, his sister-in-law Ann Marie Josway, his sisters, Ethel Benge, Emma Wroblewski, and Ella Olga Kovacs,  and his niece, Jodie Benge, his brothers Steve Kovacs and Richard Kovacs, his brother-in-laws, Victor Benge, Benny Wroblewski, Phil Mortell, Thomas Josway, Jr., Richard Josway.  Gene was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, and uncle.   In the words of his good friend, Kellie Porter. "Gino's was the place to be during Notre Dame football games.  Father and grandfather to all Gene was loved by many and will be missed by all, Korean War veteran and hero, responsible for saving countless lives and inspiring goodness in everyone who knew him.  Loving son, husband, father, grandfather, friend, neighbor.  Loyal, brave, sassy, funny, a man who never gave up and who believed in everyone."   A visitation for Gene will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana, from 10 a.m. until noon at which time services will be held in the funeral home chapel with graveside burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery with a 21 gun salute to honor Gene's Army service in the Korean War.  In closing, one of Gene's favorite quotes was:  Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gene's memory to Center for Hospice Care online at www.Foundationforhospice.org/individual-donors/using the "Made a Memorial Gift" option.

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