Steven Andrew Kovacs, aged 73, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Surrounded by loved ones, his passing marks the end of a life dedicated to family, music, and education.
Throughout his career, Kovacs was known for his contributions to both sales and education at Dakota Tech. He was a passionate educator who influenced many students during his tenure. His love for music began in childhood and flourished through his involvement in the White Bear Lake High School choir and liturgical music. This passion led him to form several musical groups, including The Four Coachmen, 1st Things 1st, and the JS Trio.
Kovacs was not only a musician but also an avid woodworker and sports enthusiast. He particularly enjoyed golf and cherished moments spent with his wife, Deb Kovacs, at their lake home. His dedication to family was evident in his relationships with his sons, Andrew and Patrick (married to Megan), and his grandchildren, Casey and Dylan.
A Legacy of Love and Support
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Kovacs. Kovacs is survived by his wife, sons, grandchildren, and siblings: Gail Ward, Sue Pearson, Jody Jarvis, and John Kovacs. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Jody Jarvis for her compassionate assistance with home hospice care during Steve’s final days.
A celebration of Steven Andrew Kovacs’s life will take place at 2 PM on January 6, 2026, at Starkson Family ~ Anderson Chapel, located at 14850 Garrett Ave., Apple Valley, MN 55124. The visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials of the donor’s choice or donations to St. Scholastica Convent, accessible at www.sbm.osb.org.
As friends and family gather to honor his memory, Steven Andrew Kovacs will be remembered for his unwavering spirit, musical talent, and the love he shared with those around him.
