Joel Karnick
Anthony James Kovarik
8/21/1962 – 3/22/2024
Tony Kovarik could tell a joke like no one else. You may have heard that joke before, but there was something about the way Tony told it. He made the joke into a story.
He put you into the story;
He put your dog into the story;
and by the time the punchline came, he invariably put a smile on your face.
On March 22, 2024, Anthony James Kovarik passed away in his new home by the Flambeau River.
Tony was born on August 21, 1962, to Bohumil and Teckla Kovarik of Eisenstein WI. Throughout his 61 years, Tony loved, respected, and imitated his parents. Even after he lost them both to death, he lived their life lessons. Those lessons on the importance of family, work, especially farm work, treasuring the land around us, and kindness to others defined Tony’s character.
Tony was one of seven children whom he precedes in death. His siblings are Patricia (Ronald) Callaway of Rockford IL, Teckla (Dave Caputo) Kovarik of Black River Falls WI, Thomas (Donna) Kovarik of Butternut WI, Albert (Darla) Kovarik of Eisenstein WI, Frank (Kate) Kovarik of Eisenstein, and Therese (Ted) Fleming of Fifield WI.
Tony graduated in 1980 from Park Falls High School. He was known as Kovar by the FUN crowd.
In 1987, Tony got into an accident in his van that required a hip replacement and a long period of recuperation. This did not diminish his love of life and brought him closer to his family who cared for him. Tony is sadly preceded in death by his nephew Noah Kovarik, his aunts and uncles, especially his Aunt and Godmother, Anne Gehring (Oswald) and uncle Arnie Oswald. He is survived by one maternal Aunt, Agnes Oswald.
In 2004, Tony married Cheryl/Skeeter (nee Bucheger) his long-time friend. Although still close they did not remain married. What remained was their unconventional friendship, his love for Cheryl’s children Troy Danielson and Bethany (Stephan) Kornacki, how he cherished the grandchildren Deklan and Everly, and his closeness with his in-laws on Cheryl’s side. Tony gained another set of beloved parents with Bud and Luana Bucheger, who preceded him in death.
In 1998, Tony purchased a Wood-mizer portable sawmill with the help of his brother, Al. This machine allowed him to appreciate nature in a unique way as he saw the variety of wood in Northern Wisconsin and observed the rich character of its grain. No one knew the 12, 15, and 16 multiplication tables like Tony, as he was always calculating board feet for the cutting jobs he fulfilled for many customers in our area.
Tony had many roles in his life, son, brother, student, partier, wood cutter, meat cutter, husband, step-dad, grandpa, factory worker, retiree, but there was one role I believe he especially excelled at: UNCLE. Tony was a proud uncle. Tony was a fun uncle. Tony was an uncle who always had a joke. Tony was an uncle who always had serious and straightforward advice. Tony was an uncle who always had your back.
Tony was a loyal and loving uncle of Jennie Callaway, Susie Callaway, Eddie (Stacia) Callaway, Ryan (former wife Kari) Kovarik, Noah, Mindy, Bo Kovarik, Jillian (Derek) Lotts, Darius (Linda) Torres, Wesley Kovarik, Rachel (Connor) Livingston, and Mari (Jeff) Rominske. He became the great-uncle for Dakota (Jadin), Sammantha, Allison, Elijah, Gabriel Callaway, Jessica (Charlie) Hill, Addison, Kinsley, Alex Kovarik, Fawn, and Nova Lotts, and great-great uncle for his great-nieces’ and nephews’ precious children. Tony welcomed the spouses of his nieces and nephews with the initial required suspicion: ‘were they right for his niece or nephew?’ and once that was out of the way, then with his characteristic warmth and humor.
He will be deeply missed by all the listed family, as well as his numerous cousins and their families, and many friends and neighbors.
There will be less joy in our lives without Tony’s jokes, stories, and songs, but may all those who knew Tony find comfort and a smile in remembering those good times. Tony would not want us to cry over his death but remember the memories. If you do cry, though, there is no shame, Tony is worth the tears.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday April 5, 2024 at the Park Falls American Legion Post from 4:00pm until 7:00pm with a Memorial Service at 6:00pm. Deacon Robert Schienebeck will officiate.
Birch Street Funeral Service is assisting the family.
