Joseph James Kovarik
Joseph James Kovarik, 75, fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, peacefully left the world to meet Our Lord on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, after long-suffering with dignity from Lewy body dementia with Parkinsonism.
Joe was born on July 25, 1948, to Rita P. Kovarik (née Bauer) and Joseph F. Kovarik, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Christine (née Boekers). He was the devoted father of twin daughters, Katie (Jon) Faison and April (Jeff) Gottschalk; cherished grandfather of Harrison and Gus; brother of Cathy (Alex) Primm, David (Sarah) Kovarik, Donna (Hal) Osborne, and Bob Kovarik; brother-in-law of Gary Boekers, Marty Boekers, and Phil (Julie) Boekers; and uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend of many.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Joe built up a strong work ethic from a young age within the family grocery business, assisting in the operation of Kovarik’s Thriftway. In 1982, he opened Ivory Cash and Carry, a wholesale grocer and distributor, on Ivory Street in the Carondelet neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri. Touching the lives of many and with a heart of service, Joe led Ivory Cash & Carry to become a mainstay in the south-city community for nearly 25 years. During the Great Flood of ’93, which heavily impacted the area, Joe aided in the sandbagging efforts to protect neighborhood businesses. He subsequently received an Urban Development Award from the City of St. Louis for restoring the facade of his building to its former appearance.
In retirement, he volunteered weekly at the Circle of Concern food pantry, giving back to the community in a new way. He loved bike riding and could be found getting his miles in on the Grant’s Trail or at Lower Meramec Park. He was a great fisherman and enjoyed being outdoors, soaking up the beauty of God’s creation, often befriending elderly lake watchers on warm days at Suson Park. As a talented woodworker, he became an expert at using a scroll saw to create detailed scenes that captured the imaginations of the family and friends to whom he gifted his art. He was a fan of homemade lemon pie, grilling on Sunday afternoons, classic Western films, road trips, and engaging his grandsons in competitive games of Wii sports. He was a master of partaking in lighthearted banter, sharing his facetious nature through storytelling and jokes, swiftly bringing a smile or laugh to those around him.
Joe helped many silently, never seeking recognition for his good deeds. He lived an unselfish and humble life, nobly giving of himself and his rewards with bold generosity, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. He will be remembered as a reliable and loyal friend to all, deeply rooted in his faith in God.
A luncheon will be held in his memory on Saturday, June 22, at 11:30 a.m. in the basement of Assumption–Mattese Catholic Church. A funeral mass will follow at 2:00 p.m., with the burial of his cremains immediately after. (https://assumptionstl.org/)
Donations in Joe’s name to the Rural Parish Workers of Christ the King (15540 Cannon Mines Road, Cadet, MO 63630) would be greatly appreciated. (https://rpwck.org/)
This well-written memorial of Joe brings forth both tears of gratitude for his life and grief for his gradual passing into Glory. He was a generous friend to the Rural Parish Workers of Christ the King as well as several other religous bodies and their spiritual and corporeral works of mercy, too numerous to include in the memorial. His infectious “lighthearted banter” was only one aspect of Joe’s apostolic friendship as he truely visited, fed, clothed and encouraged his needy brothers and sisters. Our loss is Heaven’s gain and humanity’s blessing of intercession.
Joe was a Great friend in my earlier years . Sad say we drifted apart over the years. But I was Blessed we reconnected prior to his passing and I Thank God for that Moment. I Pray Peace Comes to His family
What a beautiful recounting of your husband and father’s life.
Joe was a classmate at St. Gabriel’s, Class of ‘62. We have good memories of our times at St. Gabe’s.
I am sorry for your loss.
Barbara Hummel
I graduated with Joe from St. Gabriel’s parish in 1962. I lived on Loran and he lived on Delor which was only 2 streets apart. He was a very nice guy. My parents and his parents were very good friends. Both our Dads had their own businesses. While visiting my Mom at Mary Queen and Mother nursing home Mrs. Kovarick came by to see me and told me how great Joe had been helping to oversee her care.
Eternal rest grant to Joe. I will keep him in my prayers.
My condolences to the family. Always enjoyed talking to Joe about his supplies of bulk foods for the river barge workers. Great hardworking man.
My name is Phil Viscuso, I am a high school friend of Joe
and very sorry to here about his death. Please accept my whole hearted condolences and if I can be any assistance please let me know.