Janet Kovach

Throughout a journey that spanned more than seven decades and was filled with unforgettable moments with family and friends, Janet Kovach brought light and laughter into the lives of everyone who was blessed to know and love her. She was a steadfast source of strength and encouragement, supporting those around her wholeheartedly. Nothing brought Janet greater joy than spending time with her loved ones, and she deeply savored every moment. Her spirit of compassion and generosity led her to go above and beyond to serve her family, friends, community, and students. Already so deeply missed, Janet will be forever loved and remembered.

The early 1950s were among the most exciting years to be living in the United States. The economy was flourishing following the end of World War II, and the historic baby boom was underway. In the world of pop culture, I Love Lucy was a family favorite across the nation, while rock-and-roll tunes were emerging as the iconic music of the era. It was during this influential chapter that Earl and Mary (Taylor) Burnham of Grand Rapids, Michigan, joyfully welcomed their baby girl. Janet Marie made her entrance into the world on October 19, 1952.

Growing up, Janet was a typical girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home alongside her brother, Larry. Her father supported the family by working for the electric company for many years, while her mother was a dedicated homemaker. The Burnham family enjoyed summer vacations at Stoney Lake, where they spent quality time together swimming, grilling, and relaxing. Throughout her formative years, Janet attended local schools and graduated from Kenowa Hills High School in 1970.

It wasn’t long before Janet met a young man named Francis S. Kovach. They were married in 1973, and soon welcomed their daughters, Amy in 1975 and Jody in 1977. Janet thrived in her role as a mother, raising her girls in a house built by family at the top of the hill on Vanderbilt Avenue. She gave Amy and Jody a memorable childhood filled with freedom, adventure, and plenty of time outdoors. The girls loved playing outside, running through the fields, and sledding on the giant snowbanks that were plowed extra high.

The Kovach family also spent many summers working on the family blueberry farm. Janet helped brush hog and plow the fields, and she was never afraid of hard work or heavy machinery. She embraced the work that needed to be done and was always willing to pitch in.

Janet and Francis eventually bought a lake lot on Upper Silver Lake in Mears, Michigan. What began as a place to park the truck camper and dune buggy eventually became an A-frame cottage, built over time with the help of many skilled friends. As the campers gave way to a cottage, one thing remained constant: the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Francis loved building dune buggies, and Janet shared his love of running them through the sand and competing in the Mt. Baldy Hill Climb. Those years created countless memories that remained a special part of Janet’s life.

Alas, the marriage was not to last. While this was a sad time in Janet’s life, she did not let it define her. Instead, she embraced a new chapter and enrolled at Western Michigan University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and became forever a proud Bronco.

After graduating from WMU, Janet became a kindergarten teacher at Pine Trails Elementary in Allegan, Michigan. She later returned to WMU and earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership. That degree provided opportunities to work outside the classroom, but Janet never wanted to leave it. Her passion was children, and she cherished the honor of being a child’s first teacher. She remained in the classroom for her entire career.

Teaching gifted Janet with many close friendships that continued long after retirement. The children she taught, the families she served, and the colleagues she worked alongside became an important part of the legacy she left behind.

Of all the roles Janet cherished throughout her life, being a grandma was among the greatest. She was affectionately called Grandma Jan by Patrick, David, Jude, Levi, and Josephine. She was an involved grandma who rarely missed her grandchildren’s events. Baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, marching band, choir concerts, drum corps—if her grandchildren were involved, Janet was there to cheer them on.

She was playful and generous with her grandchildren. For their birthdays, she created riddles, with each correct answer earning them some birthday cash. She didn’t allow cheating, but she was always willing to offer a hint. Janet was perpetually “on duty,” ready to jump in and help her daughters or grandchildren whenever she was needed. With her first great-grandchild on the way, Janet was especially happy and excited to see her family continue to grow.

Throughout her life, Janet was blessed with many special friendships. She and her high school friend Dorothy made annual trips to various beach destinations, creating memories and traditions they shared over the years. She met Robyn at WMU, and the two quickly became close friends, sharing life experiences, laughter, and plenty of fun. Janet also traveled to England and Italy with her longtime friend Annette, adding wonderful adventures abroad to her collection of treasured memories.

Janet enjoyed staying busy and active. She loved cross-country skiing and biking and enthusiastically supported her daughters in their distance running. She rode her bike alongside them for miles as they trained, carrying water and keeping them company along the way.

When her daughters ran their first marathon, the Kalamazoo Marathon, it happened to fall on Mother’s Day. True to form, Janet was there. She made homemade felt pennants and stood along the course cheering them on and supporting them as only she could. Her presence was a reminder of the way she loved: wholeheartedly, enthusiastically, and always showing up for the people who mattered most.

When reflecting on the vibrant and overflowing life of Janet Kovach, it is easy to see both her unwavering kindness and her fierce, unconditional love for her family and friends. Her legacy is one of loyalty, generosity, and humble service. She was a devoted mother, an enthusiastic grandmother, a loyal friend, a dedicated teacher, and a person who could always be counted on.

For Janet, family was undoubtedly her greatest treasure. She found joy in the everyday moments—time spent together, attending an event, sharing a laugh, working side by side, traveling with a friend, or simply being there when someone needed her. She gave generously of her time, her energy, and her heart.

Although she will be dearly missed, Janet leaves behind a precious collection of memories that will continue to bring laughter, comfort, and love to those who knew her. Her family and friends will carry those memories forward and share them in her honor.

Janet Kovach of Portage, age 73, died on September 18, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughters, Amy (Jamie) Clark and Jody (Matthew) Lemmer; grandchildren, Patrick (Julia) Clark, David Clark, Jude Lemmer, Levi Lemmer, and Josephine Lemmer; a great-grandchild on the way; and her brother, Larry Burnham.

Please join us for a Life Story Service on Wednesday, September 23, at 4 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Burial on Thursday, September 24, at 10 AM, at Portage South Cemetery. Celebrate Janet’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the WMU Foundation for the College of Education & Human Development.