Michael Kovanda

Michael C. Kovanda, departed this earthly life for the stars on Thursday, March 16th, 2023 after a short yet brave battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born to Joseph and Bernadette Kovanda on March 1st, 1947 in Rockford, IL shortly before his twin brother Steven.  Not long after, the boy’s worlds would be changed forever as their mother Bernadette (Thill) Kovanda passed away when they were just 8 months old.
From there, the two boys were separated: Steve went to be raised by their Aunt in Dubuque, IA and Mike went to live with their grandmother in Prairie Du Chien, WI.  When the boys turned 5 years old, their father had remarried and they were reunited back in Rockford.  Things weren’t easy by all accounts, and Mike endured several years of various “schooling” before being drafted into the US Army and serving his country in Vietnam. Mike wed Sally Holm on July 18th, 1970 and shortly thereafter joined the Rockford Fire Department where he spent 29 years providing for his family, supporting his community and developing life-long friendships:  all of which were very meaningful to him. Mike was sharp, strong and had a solid work ethic.  Not long after starting on the Rockford FD, his Captain Clark Byington, invited him to come work for his construction company, and Mike never looked back.
This inspired him to build his own home and eventually start his own business.  With a passion for the outdoors and fishing, Mike convinced Sally to move to Lake Summerset, IL in 1977 to build the 1st of 2 houses there and raise their children.  He began Mike Kovanda Construction not long after, and proceeded to build hundreds of quality decks, porches, additions and garages throughout Winnebago and Stephenson County. Beneath a tough outer shell, Mike had a soft spot for nature and animals.  He was an avid birder, but he didn’t have to move too much to see them as his backyard was a spectacular theater that he enjoyed greatly.  You could also find him sitting in his garage watching a big thunderstorm roll-in over the calls to seek shelter in the basement.  He helped raise two good kids and several good (if not somewhat disobedient) four-legged boys including Hank, Jake, Buster and everyone’s favorite: Teddy.
He had a terrific memory which was exemplified by his gift of story-telling.  Mike loved life, believed in justice, and desired only the best for his family and for his country.  He was a unique man with interesting perspectives who endured a lot in his life, but never complained about it.  He had a creative mind and wasn’t afraid to share it or let it guide him on his path. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph & Bernadette (Thill) Kovanda, twin brother Steven Kovanda, daughter Michelle (Kovanda) Iasparro and numerous uncles, aunts & cousins.  He is survived by Sally Kovanda, his son Nicholas (Rhonda) Kovanda, granddaughters Lola and Hannah Kovanda, nephews John and Jason Kovanda, and nieces Bernadette (Kovanda) Simard, Kathy Durst, Laurie Scott & Margaret Buhl.
The family wants to thank Mercy Health Hospice and the VA of Madison who were instrumental in making Mike’s final days on this earth comfortable and worth living.  The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Raylene and John for their time, support and love during a very difficult time. Mike’s life will be celebrated by family and friends on Saturday, April 8th, 2023 in Rockford, IL.  In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the following meaningful organizations.  Without hope, there is nothing: Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary http://www.noahsarkanimals.org/ Healing Pathways Cancer Resource Center https://www.osfhealthcarefoundation.org/samc-rockford-donation-form/?_ga=2.82335509.2072104951.1679771145-1840362616.1679771145