John Covey

John "Richard" Covey, age 84 of Vernon Center, died Thursday, September 16, 2010 at his home.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 20, 2010 at Mankato Mortuary. Burial will be in Sterling Cemetery, Sterling Township, Blue Earth County. Visitation will be held 4-8 p.m., Sunday, September 19, 2010 at Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour prior to the service at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VINE or ISJ Hospice.

John Richard was born March 20, 1926 to John Henry and Inez G. (Lamp) Covey in Sterling Township, Blue Earth County. He graduated from Amboy High School in 1945. From 1953 until 1954, Richard served in the United States Army. On November 7, 1953, he was united in marriage to Genevieve Burk until her passing in 1981. On June 30, 1986, Richard was united in marriage to Margaret R. "Meg" Snow in New Ulm. He farmed his whole life and drove for VINE for the last six years. Richard was a member of the American Legion of Amboy and the Lions Club collecting eyeglasses. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Richard also enjoyed gardening and visiting with people.

Richard is survived by his wife, Meg of Vernon Center; three children: John (Susan) Covey of Mapleton, Deborah (Mike) Fank of St. Mary's, KS and Paul (Donna) Covey of the Philippine Islands; three step-children: Valerie (Brian) Raabe of Forest Lake, Rosemary (Chris) Milczark of Duluth and Andy (Candace) Snow of Sioux Falls, SD; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three sisters: Ella Weerts of North Mankato, Mary Jahnz of Amboy and Millie (Rueben) Hill of Forest Lake; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Genevieve; two brothers: Charles and George; daughter-in-law, Valerie Covey; and grandson, Paul Covey, Jr.