Marlene Elaine Kovich

Memorial service will be 11 am Friday, July 14, 2023 at the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert with Fr. Daniel Hammer officiating.  Friends and family may gather one hour prior to the service.  Immediately following the service there will be a gathering at the Gilbert VFW for a time of lunch and fellowship.  Inurnment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Virginia at a later date. Memorials are preferred to the Marquette Catholic School in lieu of flowers.

Marlene Elaine Kovich, 90, of Virginia died Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in Virginia surrounded by her family.

Marlene was born on August 23, 1932 to Steven and Elsie (Laine) Thomas in Ely.  She grew up and attended the Gilbert High School.  She was married to Joseph Kovich on February 18, 1950.  The couple raised five children.  Marlene worked various jobs throughout her life, but her main work was being a devoted homemaker.  She was an excellent cook, enjoyed playing cards with friends, and was an avid reader.  She took the greatest pleasure in spending time with her family and friends to whom she dedicated her life to being a wonderful and loving caregiver.

Survivors include her children: Denise (Tom) Forconi of Virginia, Kay (Guy) Holmes of Virginia, Joe (Patricia) Kovich of Elk River, Merrilu (Peter) DelCaro of Eveleth and Jimmy (Chris) Kovich of Eveleth; ten grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren all of whom called Marlene “Grandma Greatness”; brothers-in-law, Jack Makela and George (Janet) Kovich; as well as numerous niece and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; siblings: Geraldine, James, Mary Jane, Carol and Steven; and her parents.