Eileen M. Kovarna

MERRILL, Iowa -- Eileen M. Kovarna, 85, of rural Merrill, Iowa, passed away Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, following a brief illness, comforted by family in her home.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Ellendale in rural Merrill, with the Rev. Dan Greving as celebrant. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sioux City. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with family present beginning at 6 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City.

Eileen was born on July 10, 1924, in Presho, S.D., to Cyril and Juliette (Allard) Montagne. She graduated from Central High School.

Eileen married Donald J. Kovarna on May 29, 1944 in Houston, Texas. They were lifelong residents of the Merrill and Hinton, Iowa, area, engaged in farming.

Eileen was a proud member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Ellendale.

Eileen is survived by her children, Larry Kovarna and his wife, Norma of Hinton, Iowa, Rick Kovarna and his wife, Mary of Hinton and Linda Mitchell and her husband, Dale of Lawton, Iowa; special sister, Lila Thompson and her husband, Rolland of Merrill; nine grandchildren (who are also the casket bearers for the service on Wednesday); and 13 great-grandchildren and two on the way.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald in June 1984; grandson, Tim; sister, Dwilda Kovarna; and special cousin, Shirley Bauer.