Florian "Jeff" Michael Kovach

Dr. Florian Michael "Jeff" Kovach, age 87, of La Grande, died Friday at a local care facility. There will be a celebration of his life sometime in the Spring and will be published later. You may view the obituary or sign the on-line guest book at www.danielschapel.com.

Dr. Kovach was born on July 3, 1920, the son of Michael and Elizabeth (Farkas) Kovach in Tacoma, Washington. He graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Veterinary medicine and served with the United States Air Force in Korea. In 1946 he moved to the Grande Ronde Valley as the counties first professional veterinarian and opened the Animal Health Center on Island City strip. On August 30, 1948 he married Ruthe Dusenberry from Halsey, Oregon in La Grande, initially living above the original clinic. He took care of large and small animals throughout the county, and was known by many. He later built a new clinic in Island City proper and loved his work there until he retired in 1987. In retirement, he enjoyed gardening and spent many hours growing a larger garden and lots of flowers. He enjoyed fishing, especially with his pals, Joe Fredricks, Dick Crawford and many others.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruthe Kovach. Survivors include his children and their spouses, Florian Michael Kovach, Jr. of Florida, Peter Anthony and Rebecca Kovach of Eugene, Rebecca Jo and Mark Sullivan of La Grande and Nicholas Lee and Jan Kovach of Bellevue, Washington; brother, Arnold Kovach of Fircrest, Washington; three granddaughters and other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes that contributions be made to the Blue Mtn. Humane Association in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.