Dean Kovaleski
August 13, 1991 - January 26, 2014
Obituary
KOVALESKI, Dean John "DJ" of Saginaw, Michigan, our beloved son and brother, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2014 at Covenant HealthCare NICU. He was 22 years old. Dean J. Kovaleski was born on August 13, 1991 in Saginaw, Michigan to Sandra "Sandy" (Duso) and Rolland "Sonny" Kovaleski. DJ graduated from Heritage High School with the Class of 2010. He had currently been working at Pizza Hut. DJ was a member of the Catholic faith. In his spare time, he enjoyed Travel Soccer with the Saginaw Sting, playing basketball, running cross country and watching Kentucky basketball. He also enjoyed listening to music, writing poetry, and taking care of animals, especially those in need. Surviving are his mother, Sandy Kovaleski; father, Sonny Kovaleski; brother, Andrew Duso and girlfriend, Amy Batcke; sister, Nicole Kovaleski and boyfriend, Ken Mero; grandmother, Geri Duso; aunt, Cathy Duso; uncle, John Duso; nieces: Emilee and Gabriella Duso; nephew, Hayden Duso; several cousins and friends; and dog, Teddy. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, John Duso; grandfather, Rollie Kovaleski; and grandmother, Dorothy Kovaleski. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place on Friday, January 31, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 4735 W. Michigan Avenue. Rev. Fr. John R. Johnson will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. DJ will lie in state at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L. Street N.W., Washington, DC, 20037 or Charity of Choice. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or online at www.deislerfuneralhome.com.
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Memories
MS
Maria Schwarz-Gonzalez
Other •
So sorry. DJ was a very good person and so FULL of life. My condolences to his family.
MS
Matt Seegmiller
Other •
Sonny, Sandy, Andy & Nicole: I was deeply saddened to hear about DJ. My mom called me over the weekend and told me what had happened and I've been praying for him and you each and everyday. DJ is an angel watching over you now in heaven and hanging out with Uncle John. I'll always have fond memories of DJ when he was a small child when we used to come over to your house in the 1990's every Super Bowl Sunday to watch the game on your big screen. Those very great times. May you find comfort in family and friends during this difficult time.
God bless,
Matt, Kelly & Ethan Seegmiller
Algonquin, IL
SC
Stephanie Cook
Other •
Kovaleski Family:
I have known you guys for over a decade and a half. In this time - you as well as my family have known the inseparable bond Jason and DJ had for 18 years. They were each others ying to their yang. The worst news I have ever and probably will ever have to deliver in my life was Jason's other platonic half passing on. DJ was full of life, adventure, lots of energy, and overall a great kid. I have sooo many memories of DJ, Jason, Nicole, and I together that I am fond of. Your family played a very big and significant part of my childhood. I last talked to DJ when he called me at 4am in the morning 3 days after Christmas telling me how proud he was of me and that he loved me. That was him in a nutshell, a good friend. I always thought of him as a little brother and he always called me sis. My heart breaks for all of you and I give you my sincere condolences, prayers, and love. May you all find inner peace and healing within time. I wish I could be there to honor him and say goodbye but he is in my heart always. Love you DJ, you will be missed little bro.
Stephanie
DB
Daryl Bernard
Other •
DJ was a member of the first-ever White Pine Hawks Cross Country team in 2004. I remember DJ being a very hard worker, and a tenacious competitor. He never slacked in his workouts and always did all he could to make himself a stronger runner. Unfortunately, knee issues due to his growing kept him from returning to the team in 8th grade. After ten years of White Pine Hawks cross country, he is still and will always be a member of our White Pine Hawks Two Mile Minuteman Club, securely in the 13 minute Club with a Personal Record of 13:44.
We have a saying on our team: Once a Hawk ~ Always a Hawk
FY
Fred Young
Other •
So sorry for your loss. Our condolences to DJ's family.
Fred and Sandy Young
A
Anonymous
Other •
Garden Accent Stone Personalized - 'Those we have held' was purchased for the family of Dean John "DJ" Kovaleski.