Joseph Warren "Joe" Kovar Jr passed away on Friday July 24, 2026, in Filer, ID holding hands with his wife Verna Kay Kovar. Joe was born August 20, 1938, in Bremen, North Dakota to Joseph Sr and Blanch Kro Kovar and was the seventh of eight siblings.

At the age of 2, their family moved to Harvey, ND and that is where Joe attended school and grew up. He was a natural athlete and participated in football, basketball, track, and American Legion baseball. He had many accomplishments in all sports, but a highlight was being invited after his senior season to be on a television show where he was honored by the Governor of North Dakota for being an exceptional athlete and one of the top touchdown scorers in the state. He appeared frequently in the Harvey Newspaper for his many athletic accomplishments and was talented enough that he could have played Minor League Baseball.

In lieu of pursuing athletics and because of his love of country, Joe, along with several other classmates, enlisted in our Nation's military immediately following graduation in 1957. Joe chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps and completed basic training at Camp Pendleton, CA. He was an active-duty Marine and was stationed in Hawaii and Japan and was Honorably Discharged on February 21, 1962.

Joe moved to Filer in 1964 and went to work at Acme Manufacturing. He was a dedicated employee and retired after 36 years.

Joe met Verna Kay Wyatt in 1976 in Filer. It didn't take long for their love to blossom and so began 50 wonderful years together. Joe had no biological children of his own, but without a doubt was a dedicated father to Verna's 3 children, Craig, Shelley, and Cory. He later became Grandpa Joe, and he was an amazing Grandpa and Great Grandpa to all the grandkids. They were his family.

Joe was a man of many talents. He and Verna had a beautiful home that was always decorated wonderfully for every occasion and maintained an immaculate yard and garden. Despite every personal accolade and accomplishment, whether in life or on an athletic field or court, his biggest pride and joy was his family. He loved his country and believed strongly in "Once a Marine, always a Marine." Verna would tell you that once you lived with a Marine, you knew without a doubt that you had certainly lived with a Marine. The void left by his passing will be felt until the day we get to see him again.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings LaVerne, Morris, James, Gene, Darlene, and Marvalin, and many other beloved family members.

He is survived by his devoted wife Verna, his children Craig (Bonnie) Byce, Shelley (Barry) Conner, and Cory (Shandele) Brodine. He is also survived by his brother Royce Kovar. Joe leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren that loved him dearly as well as many other beloved family members and friends.

We will miss you, Grandpa Joe! Oorah! Semper Fi!

A Memorial Service for Joe will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Wilks Funeral Homes, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho, 83301.