Michael T. Kovey

Michael Thomas Kovey, 89, of Fishers, Indiana, passed away on February 23, 2026. He was born on October 17, 1936, in Youngstown, Ohio, the only child of Michael Kovey Sr. and Helen (Thomas) Kovey.

Mike was the definition of a true gentleman; kind, selfless, a good listener, and genuinely thoughtful. He was a very social person with a good sense of humor who enjoyed engaging with others. Mike never knew a stranger and was very welcoming to all who crossed his path.

Mike began work for a steel mill in Youngstown after high school, eventually becoming a custom home builder in the Indianapolis area. As a custom home builder, he took great pride in his craft, constructing beautiful homes and renovations throughout his career. Even after retirement, Mike kept himself busy helping his friends and family with home additions, kitchen remodels, and redesigning their homes to better suit their needs. His work was an expression of his love and generosity, and his willingness to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around him.

As a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1962 – 1965, Mike was stationed in New York and Germany during his military service, working in nuclear missile silos during the Cold War.

Mike carried a strong sense of duty and loyalty into every part of his life. He was very generous with his time and talents, and always ready to help someone in need. He especially loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, often playing cards with them and enjoying their laughter and company. Mike also had a great love and affection for all animals throughout his life. He leaves behind his two beloved Havanese dogs, Tootsie and Rudy.

Mike was married to the first love of his life, Roberta Witte in 1960. Roberta immigrated from Ringstedt, Germany at the age of 18 to New York City, where she was sponsored by her aunt and uncle. Mike and Roberta were happily married for 49 years until her death in July of 2009. Together they lived in the Indianapolis/Carmel area and raised two children, Stephan and Karen. Mike cared for Roberta faithfully through her cancer illness with unwavering love and devotion.

In 2011, Mike married the second love of his life Teresa "Terri" Kovey, who survives him. Mike and Terri were blessed with 15 wonderful years together full of love and laughter. Mike enjoyed being around Terri’s large extended family along with his own family who primarily live in the area. Prior to Mike’s recent death he was blessed by Terri, who was a devoted caregiver offering love, compassion and laughter to their daily lives.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Stephan (Donna) Kovey and Karen (Russell) Behne; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren Christopher (Allissa) Kovey, Jonathan (Megan) Kovey, Alyssa Behne (partner William Firth), Josh Behne (fiancé Julia Suman), Kelly (Jason) Jones, Julie (Jim) Dereka and her children, and Morgan (Dylan) Floyd; and by Terri's children, Bryan (Holly) Piggott, Brad (Mary) Piggott, and Casey (Drew) Keller, along with Terri's eight grandchildren. His family will remember his kindness, steady presence, and the way he always showed up whenever he was needed.

Mike was preceded in death by his first wife, Roberta Kovey, and his parents, Michael Kovey Sr. and Helen (Thomas) Kovey.

Visitation for Mike will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church, 11441 Hague Road, Fishers, IN 46038. A Rosary service will be held at 10:10 a.m., with a Funeral Mass immediately following at 10:30 a.m. Entombment will take place at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Memorial contributions in Mike's name may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), or another military-focused charitable foundation.