Rev. Michael C. "Mike" Kovalcik, 88, of Morton passed away Monday, April 30, 2018, at Morton Villa Health Care and Rehabilitation Center.
Mike was born on Dec. 3, 1929, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Michael John and Dorothy (Dukovich) Kovalcik. He married Joyce Peterson on June 8, 1956, in Poplar, Wis.
Surviving are his wife, Joyce Kovalcik of Morton; three daughters, Debra (Stephan) Kaak of Peoria and Diane (Doug) Fair and Susan Barnhart, both of Morton; six grandchildren, Cara Clemmer, Doug Fair Jr., Scott Kaak, Jasen Barnhart, Brittany Fair and Katie Barnhart.; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Helen (Paul) George and Mary Ann (Earl) Furier, both of Pittsburgh.
Rev. Mike was preceded in death by one brother, Rev. John Kovalcik; and three sisters, Dorothy, Mildred and Rosemary.
He was a United States Coast Guard veteran, having served during the Korean War.
Rev. Mike graduated from college in 1962. After graduating in 1965 from seminary school, Rev. Mike ministered for numerous United Methodist churches throughout the central Illinois area for 30 years, retiring in 1993.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
He attended Morton United Methodist Church, where services will be held. A visitation will be held at the church from 9 to 10:45 a.m., Friday, May 4, 2018. A celebration of life service will follow at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Gary L. Feldman officiating. Burial will be at Roberts Cemetery in Morton, where full military rites will be conducted.
Memorials may be made to Morton United Methodist Church Building Fund or the Preachers Aid Society and Benefit Fund.
Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.
To view Rev. Mike's video tribute or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.