Kenneth R. Kovach, 61, of Jefferson, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Born on March 27, 1964, in Cleveland, Ohio, Ken was a graduate of Jefferson High School and Kent State University at Ashtabula. A master tool and die maker, he went on to become the owner and president of Ken Forging, Inc., where he dedicated his entire career.

On October 22, 1994, he married the love of his life, Barbara (Knapp) Kovach, on Maui, Hawaii. Together they built a life filled with love that was centered on family.

Ken had a deep affinity for the outdoors and especially cherished time spent hunting and fishing with his son, Connor. He was a seasoned pilot who found great joy in flying, and he treasured traveling with his family—whether to the lake or beach to wakeboard, or to the mountains to snowboard. Ken was always looking forward to the next adventure, and will be remembered for his playful spirit and lighthearted sense of humor.

He was a devout Catholic, who, along with Barb, had served as a youth minister at his longtime parish, Saint Joseph Calasanctius in Jefferson.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Knapp) Kovach; his beloved children, Connor and Katie; and his sisters, Krisi (Steve) Cox and Karen Kovach.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard A. Kovach and Jean F. Kovach.

Calling hours will be held Friday, March 20, from 5:00–7:00 PM at Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Road, Geneva, OH 44041 (440) 361-2273. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, March 21, at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 3700 State Route 193, Sheffield, Ohio (Please meet at the church). Burial to follow at Oakdale Cemetery in Jefferson.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ken's name to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), 2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

Lake Erie Cremation and Funeral Services of Geneva, OH assisted the family with arrangements.

www.LakeErieCrematory.com