Virginia Mary Kovar , 97 years old, passed away in her sleep on August 19, 2017 at Health Source in Saginaw.

She was born September 16, 1919 in Carrollton, MI to Joseph and Julia (Dufon) Olenchak. Virginia spent her early years in Hamtramck, MI and moved with her family to a farm in Free Soil, MI when she was 8 years old. She graduated from Free Soil High School in 1939 and became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1941.

On November 24, 1945 she married Joseph F. Knizacky and together they owned and operated Little Joe's Tavern in Free Soil, now known as the Hof. Joe preceded her in death on January 22, 1966. Virginia married Ray Kovar on August 16, 1969. They resided in Fountain, enjoyed their retirement traveling together, and spent their winters in Florida. Ray preceded her in death on April 12, 1982.

Virginia was a communicant and member of St. John Cantius Church in Free Soil. She enjoyed reading, crocheting afghans for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, doing word searches, playing Skip-Bo and traveling. She was especially honored when she visited the Vatican and had the privilege of shaking hands with Pope John Paul II.

She also took pride in her flower garden and her collection of African Violets. She enjoyed going to the casino, dancing to polka music, and she especially cherished the many winters she spent in Florida with her dear sister, Donnie, as well as the many happy memories of family that came to visit.

Virginia will lovingly be remembered by her children, Lou Anne (Pat) Courtney, Loretta (Dennis) Bjorkquist, Robert (Karen) Knizacky and Lenore (Bill) DeFay, her step-children Kareen (Jack) Treml, Rich (Ginger) Kovar, Kathy (Bruce) Budzynski and Ron (Paula) Kovar. "Grandma Kovar" loved to spend time with, and was always especially proud of her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, and her many nieces and nephews.

Also surviving are sisters-in-law Shirley Olenchak and Lucy Knizacky and sister & brother-in-law Vicki & Ray Thompson.

Virginia was also preceded in death by her sisters, Clara Malkowski and Genevieve "Donnie" Rajewski, her brothers Arthur Oleniczak and Lawrence "Buddy" Olenchak, her son-in-law Richard Jacobson, step-daughter-in-law Sally Kovar, step-grandson Mike Treml and her godchild Lori Harnetz. Virginia will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday August 28, 2017 at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Free Soil with Reverend Dennis O'Donnell celebrant. Burial will follow at St. John Cantius Cemetery also in Free Soil.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday afternoon at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee where a Rosary will be prayed at 3:30 PM. The family will be at the church on Monday morning one hour prior to the funeral Mass to receive friends.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.