Irene  Isabelle Kovac (Neiderland)

Born June 30th, 1929 she entered into heaven on October 3rd, 2017. Irene was a loving mother and grandmother who served her family, community, and church her entire life. She was a lifelong resident of Sugar Creek, having been born and raised there. Her first job was at her uncle’s store, Mike Onka’s Market; where she was affectionately known as “Queenie”. She easily mastered the job, working in the butcher shop, managing the inventory, and running the cash register. Irene was retired from Sears, with over forty years of service in the clerical and computer departments. She loved life to the fullest, enjoying gardening, bowling, fishing, traveling; and sharing it all with her family. She was an avid photographer and cook; having had her own catering business, Irene’s Catering, for years. She was well known and sought after for her famous cabbage rolls, potato salad, and slaw. She was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church most of her life, having belonged to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Church Group and volunteering when and where needed. She also volunteered at the K. C. Chiefs and Royals games to help raise money to support the St. Ann’s Catholic School. Irene was always serving others, from caring for her elderly cousins, to babysitting, as well as bird and dog sitting for family and friends. She was truly a role-model to her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her. Her favorite place to be was at “the lake”. She loved Lake of the Ozarks and spent most summers at her cabin with her family, creating memories that go beyond her lifetime. She loved animals, especially cats; having adopted Sophie after finding her in an alley; and taking care of four feral cats that needed some tender loving care. She was predeceased by her parents, Irene Bernice Onka Neiderland and John Neiderland; her brothers, John Daniel Neiderland and Ronald Herman Neiderland; and her sister Jeanette Neiderland Drennon. She is survived by her sons, Frank Rafael Kovac and wife Berniece; David Michael Kovac and wife Kathy, Christopher Alan Kovac, and her daughter Kathy Ann Kovac Wadlow and two “adopted” sons, Dean and Nick Andrisevic; and her sister Genevieve Neiderland Rodina; as well as six nieces and nephews, 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 14th at 10:30 am at the Messiah Lutheran Church at 613 S. Main Street; Independence, MO. A reception will follow in the church cafeteria. The family graciously asks that donations in lieu of flowers be made in her memory to The Independence Animal Hospital at 300 S. Noland Rd., Independence, MO 64054