Submitted by: Dan Rich

Ernest S. Kovatch

July 5, 1927 - Dec. 8, 2008

South Bend Tribune 12/11/2008
SOUTH BEND - Ernest S. Kovatch, 81, died at 8:21 p.m. Monday in Memorial Hospital. Ernie was born on July 5, 1927, to the late John O. and Anna (Gerschoffer) Kovatch. He was also preceded in death by four of his brothers, George Kovatch, Charlie Kovatch, Emery Kovatch and Donald Kovatch; and by his sister, Ann Kovatch. On August 5, 1950, he married Mary Lou Pepple in South Bend, who survives along with their six children, Debra (Jim) Fraser of South Bend, Lisa (Ed) Szarkowicz of Lake Zurich, IL, Mike (Janie) Kovatch of Fishers, IN, Brad Kovatch of South Bend, Rev. Tom Kovatch of Bright, IN, and Scott (Jill) Kovatch of Granger; 14 grandchildren, Jenna, Evan, Allison, Michele, Teresa and James Ernest Kovatch, Sean, Jessica, Adam and Stephen Kovatch, Eddie, Matthew, Kathryn and Thomas Szarkowicz; a sister, Vera Eastburn of South Bend; and a brother, John Kovatch of South Bend. He was a great-grandfather of Tori Burke and Keaton Kovatch. Ernie graduated from Riley High School in 1945 where he played football and basketball. He was chosen for the Indiana Basketball All-Star team in 1945. He was also a member of the first inductee class for the Riley High School Hall of Fame. He graduated from Indiana University in 1951 where he also played football and basketball. He received the Clevenger Award and the Balfor Award for Indiana University. He captained the last IU football team to defeat Notre Dame back in 1950. Ernie was a teacher and guidance counselor for the South Bend School Corporation for 37 years. He also served in the United States Army and was a prisoner of war in North Korea.