Dennis Mathew Kovatovich

Parker, CO- Dennis M. (Denny) Kovatovich, 82, died peacefully at Parker Adventist Hospital with family members at his side on March 28, 2022, following a pick up truck accident. He lived a full and wonderful life, bringing joy and prosperity to all who knew him.

Born on December 16, 1939, in Crosby, Minnesota, he was the first of nine children of Mathew and Gladyce (Vogel) Kovatovich.

In 1965 he married Jean Karen Halverson of Deerwood, MN. They have two children, Heidi (Christopher) Hassett of Castle Pines, CO, and Samuel (Hillary) Kovatovich of Cave Creek, AZ; five grandchildren, Cole Hassett, Jake Hassett, Avery Hassett, Cameron Kovatovich, and Carson Kovatovich.

He Graduated from Crosby- Ironton High school in 1958 and later received his MA Degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota in 1967 (Minneapolis, MN). Education didnt come easy or naturally, but despite the struggles, he paid big dividends through the power and support of those who invested in him, successfully graduating with honors.

After the university, he rose through the ranks. He began a long career as the owner of Western States Fire Protection, Brothers Fire Protection, plus other businesses connected to fire protection and general construction. He was recognized in multiple publications for his entrepreneurial accomplishments. He was a successful businessman believing and exemplifying that people always come first. His servant leadership and empathy and understanding for all were unceasing.

He always had a smile, loved to tell jokes (especially those labeled not safe for work), and made people laugh.

In his free time, you could find him enjoying the outdoor activities that were natural to him; being born and raised in Minnesota, he enjoyed fishing, boating, golfing and hunting. He liked to be outdoors and active, especially if it involved creating something with his own hands; he always kept busy and productive, whether planting a new tree or designing and constructing a playhouse for children or tending and improving the grounds surrounding the house. He was well-read with a house full of books and derived great pride in landscaping design and horticulture.

His incredible generosity was well known to everyone who knew him, and his loyalty to family, friends, and employees was unconditional.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Jean; siblings: Sharon (Richard) Hamilton; Richard (LeeAnn) Kovatovich; Kelly (Linda) Kovatovich; Colleen (Greg) Spalj; Jennifer (Conrad) Turner; Kimberly (Joey) Kretzman; Damian (Jill) Kovatovich; Patrick Kovatovich; Nicholette (Jacob) Schlaeger; Jason (Paula) Kovatovich.

Funeral Services will be held at Ave Maria Catholic Church, 9056 East Parker Road, in Parker, CO 80138

on the 19th of April 2022 at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow at: Bear creek Golf Club, 11400 Canterbury Pkwy, Parker, CO 80138.

Donations may be made at: stjude.org