John Kovatch, 79

John Joseph Ambrose Donald Quentin Kovatch passed away July 17, 2023, at the age of 79 in his home in Sagle, Idaho. He spent much of his early years raising hell in Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding mountains.

DeArmond Joyner (later IFI) sawmill hired John in his late teens. He worked his way up through the ranks and retired as a saw filer after 41 years.

In 1974, he married Terry Turcotte, and he raised her two children (Shane and Sheena) as his own. Always staying in the area, they moved from Alpine Meadows (Garwood Area) to a fixer-upper log cabin on 5 acres in Athol. John spent years turning that cabin into a cozy country retreat. Many years of sled parties and bonfires were enjoyed at that cabin. Upon retirement, John decided it was time to move to the lake property, where he enjoyed his large wood shop and upstairs apartment.

Born to parents Steve Kovatch and Genevieve Fears Kovatch, John is preceded in death by brothers Steven Kovatch and Marvin Kovatch. He is survived by sister Dana Kinsey, wife Terry Kovatch, kids Shane Dunn and Sheena Fleming, grandkids Danielle Wallace, Jessica Nees, Joseph Morgan, Belinda Farrens, Robbie Dunn and many great-grandkids.

NEETO! John was a creator of beautiful woodworking projects, hand-beaded belts and wall art and more. His very precise and extraordinary abilities with unparalleled attention to detail would make some folks crazy, but made both his work and his hobbies shine! Many friends, family and neighbors would benefit from “checking out” movies from his extensive collection, complete with catalog and sorted by genre.

John’s memorial service with celebration of life will be held at Windcliff (residence on Lake Pend Oreille) on Friday, Aug. 25, starting at 2 p.m.

Family and friends are invited to sign John’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.