Milan Kovacovic

Obituary of Milan Kovacovic

We are deeply saddened to share the news that Milan Kovacovic passed away on Friday, March 6, 2020 at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN.

The recipient of so much love and respect, Milan took joy in the priceless treasures of this world: loving family, deep friendships, time spent encouraging and learning from others. He accepted people openly, gave of himself freely, and cared profoundly.

Loving father, husband, friend - author, and always teacher, we are most grateful that his journey from Saint-Aquilin, France, to Paris, to Chicago, San Francisco, military service in Germany, and Southern California, eventually brought him to Duluth, Minnesota via an opportunity to teach French Language, Culture, and Literature within the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota Duluth for 44 years.

His dedication to teaching, love of the written word, and being of service to others is evidenced in the recognition awards bestowed upon him by his students and colleagues alike: Friends of Milan Kovacovic Study-Abroad Scholarship Fund (2010), CLA Teaching Award (2000), UMD Student Award for Outstanding Faculty (2013), UMD Student Award nomination for Outstanding Advisor (2016), American Association of Teachers of French Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award (2017). His memoir, Ma’s Dictionary: Straddling the Social Class Divide , received recognition and literary awards from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council. His book was also was a Publisher’s Weekly Midwest staff pick for Best Read of the Year, and was purchased by the Library of Congress for its permanent collection.

Milan is survived by Vera Kovacovic (Nancy Cox) and their children Paul Kovacovic, and Laurie Kovacovic (Dan Allison), his grandsons Thomas and James Allison, niece Janine Jaguelin (Michel), their son Vincent, and his wife Deborah (Deb) Scott, and their sons Aaron Scott-Kovacovic, and Zachary Scott-Kovacovic.

It brings us great comfort to know that his spirit lives strongly in those who love him. A fitting legacy for an inspiring man who valued simplicity, learning, beauty, love, compassion, laughter, justice, and peace.

A celebration of Milan’s life will take place on August 29th at the Cremation Society of Minnesota 4100 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN from 2:00-4:00 PM. The celebration of life service will be from 3:00-4:00 PM. Social distancing and masks are required. Distance participation will be made available via Zoom. Please contact the family to obtain the link.

It is the family’s wishes that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Friends of Milan Kovacovic Study-Abroad Scholarship Fund: 218-726-7989

Office of Development, University of Minnesota Duluth, Darland Administration Building,

1049 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812.

Saturday
29
August

Visitation

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Saturday, August 29, 2020
Cremation Society of Minnesota - Duluth
4100 Grand Avenue
Duluth, Minnesota, United States
218-624-5200
Saturday
29
August

Celebration of Life

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday, August 29, 2020
Cremation Society of Minnesota - Duluth
4100 Grand Avenue
Duluth, Minnesota, United States
218-624-5200