Louis Kovacs

Louis Kovacs, age 78, passed away Saturday, April 5, 2014 in Bellingham. He was born February 16 1936, in Heves Hungary to Bela and Maria Kovacs. The eighth of nine children. He escaped communist Hungary in October 1956 emigrating to the United States in December of the same year. After settling in Alaska, he became a U.S. citizen in 1962. In 1963, he met his wife Karen Bronkema in Alaska. 6 weeks later they were married in Sumas Washington. They celebrated their 50th anniversary together on Oct 12, 2013. Louie was passionate about his family, work, food, and auctions. His personality somehow made everyone he met his friend. Louie was preceded in death by his parents; Bela and Maria Kovacs. Brothers; Andras, Istvan, John, Otto, Bela, Jozsef. Sister; Marta. Father-in-law; Ike Bronkema. Louie is survived by wife Karen (Bronkema). Daughters; Valerie and husband John Kraft, Michelle and husband Boyd Starr, Zse Zse and husband Chris Nevins, Happy and husband John McMeekin Jr. Grandchildren; Dakota Commissaris, Zoie Macy ( Nathanael Macy Husband) , John McMeekin III (Marel McMeekin Wife), Jacob Commissaris ( Ashley Ackerman girlfriend), Sidney McMeekin, Justin Nevins, Evie Nevins. Great-Grandson's Xavior Commissaris (Teresa Lahatt mother), Greyson Macy. Also survived by his younger sister Judit Szerencsez ( John Szerencsez Husband) of Budapest Hungary. Eva Bronkema (Mother-in-law). Carl (Spud) and Juanita Bronkema (Brother and Sister in-law). Joe and Bernita Bronkema (Brother and Sister in-law). Many nephews and nieces residing in Whatcom County and around the world. Louie was very proud to be a United States Citizen. After becoming a citizen, Louie sponsored many relatives as they emigrated to the United States, as well as the Nyguen Family from Vietnam. Louie loved to work and opened his first company in 1964, Alaska Dairy Farms. After moving to Bellingham in 1969 he opened Kovacs International Inn, then Kovacs Restaurant, and finally the Fish Outlet. He loved all of his employees and customers that became like family. Louie was a fabulous cook and for a smaller man he loved to eat. He loved cooking for large crowds but was just as happy making hot dogs over his fire pit. We will all miss his strudel. Louie loved going to James G. Murphy auctions. Many times he would come home with semi-loads of "Random Stuff" and his family would just shake their heads. The Kovacs family would like to thank North Cascade Cardiology, Dr. Colette, Jessica, Susan and the entire staff. Also, the Walgreens Infusion nurses. All of you gave us a very special last year together. Louis was truly a unique gentleman. A kind, gentle, giving, and loving man. Thank you Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Friend, and Employer for being you. A memorial will be held at 1pm, Wednesday April 16, 2014 at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Av, Bellingham, WA 98225; Carl Bronkema to officiate. Please bring stories to share. In lieu of flowers please send donations to North Cascade Cardiology, Heart Failure Clinic, 2979 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225. www.sigsfuneralservices.com