Denise A. Kovarik

Denise A. Kovarik, age 35, resident of Grafton, ND, formerly of rural Lankin, ND, died Friday, June 23, 2017 surrounded by her family at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Denise Ann Kovarik was born September 13, 1981 in McVille, ND, the daughter of Roger and Lois (Salberg) Kovarik. She was raised on her parent’s farm near Lankin. At the age of 2 months, Denise contracted spinal meningitis. She lived with her parents and was served by Upper Valley Special Education. She also attended the North Dakota School for the Blind for 2 years and the Grafton Public School for 2 years. She was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Bechyne. At the age of 22, Denise moved to Grafton, where she resided at the REM group home.

Denise will be missed by her parents, Roger & Lois Kovarik of Lankin; 6 sisters, Kristi Kovarik of Grand Forks, Cheryl Storhoff (friend, Wayne Barreth), of Valley City, Kathy (Kelly) Houser of Park River, Nancy Kovarik of Minot, Julie (Steve) Anderson of Manvel, and Pam Kovarik of Lankin; 9 nieces & nephews, Taylor & Alec Storhoff, Samantha, Brandon & Madison Houser, Brayden & Roger Kovarik, Logan & Lexie Anderson; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and her REM family in Grafton.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Rudolph & Mildred Kovarik, and Clarence & Josephine Salberg.

The Funeral Mass for Denise will be held at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Bechyne, rural Lankin, ND, on Monday, June 26, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. The Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Prasad Marneni. Music will be provided by Debby Karas and Janet Gemmill. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. The casketbearers will be Wayne Barreth, Kelly Houser, Steve Anderson, Alec Storhoff, Kip Kovarik, and Shane Kovarik. Visitation will be held at the Church on Monday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.