LEAD- Fr. Peter Kovarik died on November 28, 2014 as the result of an airplane crash in Eastern Montana. Peter Mark Kovarik was born to Marge and Richard Kovarik on January 7, 1964 in Rapid City, SD. He attended Perpetual Help Grade School and graduated from St. Martin's Academy in 1982. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and achieved Eagle Scout status. Peter studied at SD School of Mines & Technology and transferred to St. Mary's College minor seminary in Winona, MN. He then attended the major seminary at Mount St. Mary's in Emmitsburg, MD. Peter was ordained by Archbishop Charles Chaput to the priesthood for the Catholic Diocese of Rapid City on June 6, 1991. He began his ministry at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Rapid City. He served as pastor at Our Lady of the Black Hills in Piedmont, Holy Cross in Timber Lake, St. Mary's in Isabel, Holy Rosary in Trail City, St. Anthony of Padua in Hot Springs, St. John the Baptist in Custer, St. James in Edgemont, St. Rose of Lima in Hill City, St. Patrick in Lead, and St. Ambrose in Deadwood. Fr. Peter received an award for excellence in his role as a chaplain for Ft. Meade Veteran's Hospital. He was actively involved in diocesan committees and boards. He took a sabbatical to attend the Institute for Continuing Theological Education at North American College in Vatican City. Peter enjoyed landscaping and gardening at his various parishes. He was also an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hiking, flying, boating, hunting, and snowboarding among other outdoor activities. He appreciated home-cooked meals and spending time with parishioners, extended family, and friends. Fr. Peter is survived by his parents, Richard and Marge Kovarik, Rapid City; two sisters, Kathleen Kovarik, Rapid City, and Camille Kovarik, Spokane, WA; two brothers, Thomas (Pam) Kovarik, Seattle, WA, and Stephen (Virginia) Kovarik, Rapid City; three nieces Christa, Madalyn, and Cara; three nephews Nicholas, Dennis, and Nathan; and one great-niece Caeli. He also leaves his faithful English Setter hunting companion, Bubba. Christian Wake Services will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City. Funeral Mass will be offered at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the Cathedral. Interment will be at Pine Lawn Memorial Park. The family suggests memorials to the Rapid City Diocesan Seminarian/Education Fund. (606 Cathedral Drive, Rapid City, SD 57701)