Willard Kovaloff

A funeral service for Willard “Willie” Kovaloff, 80, of Killdeer, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 28, 2017, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Killdeer, with Pastor Joe Natwick officiating. Burial will take place in Killdeer Cemetery.

Visitation for Willie will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Willie passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at CHI St. Alexius Health-Bismarck.

Willard “Willie” Richard Kovaloff was born November 29, 1937 on the family farm in Dunn County, the son of John and Edith (Boyko) Kovaloff. Growing up, he spent much of his time helping on the family farm. After graduating from Killdeer High School in 1957, Willie enlisted in the United States Army until being honorably discharged. After returning to North Dakota, he met Irene Keller on a blind date. Willie and Irene were united in marriage on August 20, 1962 at Our Saviors Church in Halliday. The newlyweds moved to Minot where Willie began working on a Missile Installation Site. Due to his fathers failing health, Willie and Irene moved back to the family farm, where they have lived ever since. The couple was blessed with six children; Rhonda, Connie, Carol, Bruce, Brian and Julie. Willie enjoyed fishing, reading, playing cards and visiting with his family and friends.

Willie is survived by his wife, Irene; sons, Bruce Kovaloff of Killdeer and Brian (Hope) Kovaloff of Mandan; daughters, Rhonda (Todd) Pfenning of Zap, Connie (Arnie) Dvorak of Dickinson, Carol Klem of Belfield and Julie (Tyler) Stevens of Oregon; brothers, Melvin Kovaloff of Texas and Robert (Donna) Kovaloff of Killdeer; twin sister, Viola (Delbert) Koberstine of Washington; grandchildren, Sarah, Amber, Justin, Jessica, Riley, Hunter, Isabella, Olivia, Tegherhan and Wyatt; step-granddaughter, Tausha Pfenning, Jadelynn Smotherman; and great-grandchildren, Abel, Gabriella, Owen and Charlotte.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Edith Kovaloff.