Lawrence “Larry” Covak
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On May 1, 2020 @ 4:58 pm In 2020,Obituaries | 6 Comments
Lawrence “Larry” (Wojtkowiak) Covak, age 89, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at Estates of Excelsior, in Excelsior, MN. The Covak family expresses a special thank you to the staff at Estates of Excelsior for their care, compassion and love for Larry during his stay.
A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 5 at St. Michael Catholic Church, in Prior Lake. Fr. Tom Walker will preside, with Larry’s daughters as urn bearers. In late summer, he will be laid to rest with military honors, at the Polish Catholic Cemetery, in Duluth, MN.
In Duluth, MN on September 17, 1930, in the home of Michael and Josephine (Mosiniak) Wojtkowiak, Lawrence Edward arrived in this world prematurely at 1 ½ LBS. He might have been small, but Larry overcame many obstacles and lived a normal life. He recalls walking down the street to the local stream to gather water for the garden. Larry enjoyed playing hockey in high school, where he graduated from Duluth Central High School.
After graduating, Larry traveled to Milwaukee, WI to live with his sister, Gert and her husband, hoping to secure a job. Eventually, Larry returned to Duluth and on June 11, 1951 enlisted into the United States Air Force. After basic training, he found himself flying to support fellow serviceman in the Korean War. By the time he arrived, the war was over. Larry was honorable discharged on January 5, 1954.
While throwing a football with some friends, Larry hurled the ball and it hit Barbara Karger in the head. They started courting and on July 24, 1954, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Larry and Barbara were married. He converted to Roman Catholicism, before marrying Barbara. Larry secured a good paying job with A.W. Kuettel and Sons Sheet Metal and Roofing. For over 35 years, he persevered and became a talented sheet metal mechanic.
In the end, they purchased his parent’s Duluth home, where they raised five precious daughter, LeeAnn, Kelley, Kristy, Kerry and Lori. At first, the family enjoyed an occasional summer vacation. It was years later; Larry built a cabin on White Face Lake. The family spent most summer weekends enjoying lake life, swimming, fishing, boating and water skiing. Despite having no electricity, the Covak family made priceless memories at the cabin through the years. Larry relished times being the biggest and loudest supporter of his children’s events, even though he may have gotten into trouble a time or two for being so energetic. Larry and Barbara were extremely proud of their five girls and as the family grew to include sons-in-laws and later grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved following his grandchildren’s sporting events and was truly invested in their lives and wellbeing.
Larry and Barbara enjoyed being together and spent limitless hours working in the vegetable garden. In his spare time, Larry became a gifted woodman’s and made each creation perfect. They got tired of the long winters in Duluth and came south to Montgomery, MN, with purchasing a home in the woods. Barbara became ill and needed more support and care, so they spent their remaining time living in Prior Lake. Life changed for Larry when Barbara passed on October 29, 2003.
Larry will be sadly missed and forever loved by daughters, LeeAnn (Steve) Shimek, Kelley (Glenn) Garden, Kristy Blix, Kerry (Charlie) Dammer, Lori Covak; grandchildren, Jayme (Jamin) Anderson, Joey (Melissa) Shimek, Tommy Shimek, Lindsy Tranum, Jake (Afton) Blix, Allie Blix, Brody Dammer, Kelly (David) Herman, Christie Olvera; great grandchildren, Asher, Eli, Grady and Hazel Anderson, Harrison and Hadley Shimek, Katie Tranum, Bennett Blix, DJ, Dylan and Kennedy Herman, Cheyenne and Tommie Olvera: other relatives and friends.
There to greet Larry home in heaven is his wife, Barbara; parents, Michael and Josephine; siblings, Edward (Helene) Covak, Eleanor (Leo) Braun and Gertrude (Larry) Olson.
Cards can be mailed to Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 104 First St West , Jordan, MN 55352 and will be distributed to the family.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Covak family.www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
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Lori and Family,
Margaret and I send our deepest condolences to each of you in this time of loss.
Thank you for all of the great stories you included about his growing up , how he met your Mom and his love for his family.
Know that we both are praying for you and
Lori &family we all at Airport Serra send our condolences on the death of your father. You are in our prayers
Dear Lori and family,
We are sorry to hear about your father’s passing. We are praying for your whole family during this time. Your father will be remembered in Masses and rosaries in the upcoming weeks. May God grant you comfort and peace during this time of loss.
Dear Lori, LeeAnn and family,
We offer our heartfelt sympathy at the loss of your dad. May your hearts be comforted by your treasured memories and reassured by the hope of heaven.
With love and prayers,
Mary and Mark
So sorry to hear about Larry he was the best sheet metal worker I ever worked with. If there is a service up in Duluth let me know the day and time so I can attend thanks keep smiling and have a great day!
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Dear Lori and Covak Family,
It was very nice to read the write up about
your dad here. An inside view into your lovely family. May you be comforted by your beautiful memories of him. May your dad rest in peace!
Love,
Mae ( Legaspi)
Manila, Philippines