Kenneth Kovach

KENNETH JOSEPH KOVACH, age 88, passed away June 21, 2011 in Olathe, KS. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 28 at 2:00 pm at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 S Blackbob Rd, Olathe, KS, where the family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Olathe Medical Center Hospice House.
Kenneth was born September 26, 1922 in Kansas City, KS to Joseph and Charlotte Kovach. He served our country during World War II in the U.S. Air Force as a tail-gunner. He married Doris Jenkins in 1946 and they made their home in Kansas City, MO.
Kenneth was initially employed with Miller Brothers Construction Company in Kansas City, KS and then joined Knopke Brothers, retiring after 30 years of service. In 1964, Kenneth and Doris moved their family to Olathe, KS where he immediately became active within the community. His service included serving on the City of Olathe Planning Commission for seven years, City Commissioner for five years, and was the 43rd Mayor of Olathe. Kenneth was also President of the Johnson County Mayors Association for a term of one year, was a member of the board of Johnson County Mental Retardation Center for 23 years, serving as Chairman for four years, and also a member of Johnson County Developmental Services.
Kenneth was particularly passionate about the development of the Olathe Health Systems, Inc. and Olathe Medical Center, including serving on the Olathe Health Systems Board of Trustees, the Olathe Medical Services Board of Trustees, and the Olathe Medical Center Board of Trustees. During his term as Chairperson, the Olathe Medical Center planned and constructed the current Olathe Medical Center and he served as Construction Manager for many years. Kenneth was proud to have been a vital part of Olathe Health System for over thirty years.
Surviving are his wife, Doris, daughters Kathryn Ann (Kent) Livengood, Mary Lynn (Don) Perkins, five grandchildren; Matthew Livengood-Clouse (Dr. Sean Clouse), Sarah Buhrmester, Adam (Brooke) Livengood, Joshua ( Emily) Perkins, and Bradley Perkins and his fiancé Julie Eisenbart, and one great-grandchild, Jacob Buhrmester. Also surviving are one niece and two nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Olga Floyd.