Michael Kovalow, formerly of Portage, IN, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2013 in Valparaiso, IN at the age of 88. He is survived by his seven grandchildren and his three daughters: Karen (David) Kovalow-St. John, Cheryl (George) Girman – both of Valparaiso – and Michelle (David) Olson of Angola, IN. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Kovalow; sister, Lydia Jahns; brother, John Kent; and granddaughter, Amy Olson.


Mike was born on November 21, 1924 in Gary, Indiana. He graduated from East Gary Edison High School (1942), and from Purdue University where he earned a degree in chemical engineering. He served in the army during the Korean War and then worked as a supervisor for U.S. Steel in Gary.

Calling will be Friday, January 4, from 4-8:00 PM at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel (5341 Central Ave., Portage). The funeral will be Saturday, January 5, 2013 at First Christian Church (1507 Glendale Blvd., Valparaiso) at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon. Interment will take place earlier that morning in a private ceremony at Calvary Cemetery. For information please contact Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel at (219) 762-3013.