Lydia A. Kovarik

Lydia A. Kovarik, age 95 of Park River, ND passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Center of Park River.

Lydia A. Waith was born March 7, 1921 in Norton Township, Walsh County, ND the daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (Matejcek) Waith. She attended school in Norton Township and graduated from Lankin High School in 1938. While in high school she played basketball for the Lankin Lions. Lydia was united in marriage to Charley Kovarik on November 10, 1941 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Lankin. They made their home on the family farm in Latona Township. In 1973 the couple moved to Park River. Charley passed away on November 17, 1974. Lydia worked as a nurse’s aide at St. Ansgar’s Hospital for 14 years. She moved to the Good Samaritan Center in August of 2011.

Lydia was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Altar Society, St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and Christian Mothers of Bechyne. She was a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, St. Ansgar’s Hospital Auxiliary,and the ZCBJ Lodge. Lydia also served as a 4-H leader and was a substitute bus driver for the Adams School district for many years.

Lydia is survived by her children: Lawrence (Darlene) Kovarik, Grand Forks, ND; Dennis (Marlene) Kovarik, Lankin, ND; Kathy (James) Drevecky, Adams, ND; Marge Bina, Grand Forks, ND; Stanley Kovarik, Grand Forks, ND; JoAnn Bylin, Adams, ND; 19 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marion Bredal, Petersburg, ND; brother-in-law, Duane Swartz, Grafton, ND and several nieces and nephews. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers: Max, Joe and Ed sister, Alice Soukup; grandson, John Charles and son-in-law, Kim Bylin.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Park River. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Bechyne, ND.