Dr. Richard Kovarik, 86, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, in Rapid City. Richard Kovarik was born March 24, 1928, to Rudolf and Margaret (Bradley) Kovarik in Sturgis. He grew up in Red Owl and graduated from St. Martin's Academy in Sturgis in 1945. Richard attended Creighton University for both undergraduate and medical school, graduating from medical school in 1952. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, completed an internship at LA County Hospital, and served as a general medical officer in the Air Force from 1953 through 1955. He married Marge Donahue on May 15, 1954, while stationed at FEAF headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. He was discharged with the rank of Captain after having served in California and Tokyo. Following his discharge, he did a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Boston City Hospital from 1955 to 1958. A fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology followed at the MD Anderson in Houston, TX, from 1958 to 1959. Dr. Kovarik then moved to Rapid City to begin private practice at the Rapid City Medical Center. Later, he and his associate Dr. Thiessen started The Women's Clinic where he practiced until retiring in 1993. During his professional career he served as Chief of Staff at St. John's Hospital in 1971. He was a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Felix Rutledge Society. He was an active member of the Black Hills District of the South Dakota Medical Association. Kovarik was a long-time member of the Cathedral Parish, and the Knights of Columbus. He served as President of the original Catholic Social Services board. In 2013, he received the Order of St. Benedict award for his work and support of Catholic Social Services. Richard and Marge raised five children in Rapid City. Richard was an avid outdoorsman, spending his free time hunting, fishing, and skiing. He was also an accomplished horseman, a founding member of the Black Hills Polo Club, and continued riding his horses well into his 80's. He made excellent wines, many from wild fruits, to share with his friends and family. During retirement, Richard's greatest pleasure was in spending time with his grandchildren, especially teaching them to appreciate his favorite outdoor pastimes. Richard is survived by his wife, Marge Kovarik, Rapid City; daughters, Kathleen Kovarik, Rapid City, and Camille Kovarik, Spokane, WA; sons, Thomas (Pam) Kovarik, Seattle, WA, and Stephen (Virginia) Kovarik, Rapid City; grandchildren, Christa (Michael), Madalyn, Cara, Nicholas, Dennis, and Nathan; and his great-granddaughter, Caeli. He is also survived by sisters, Sr. Carol Kovarik, Rapid City, Patricia Blote, Rapid City, and Karen Patterson, Sundance, WY; and brothers, Wenzel Kovarik, Hereford, and Joseph Kovarik, Rapid City. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jeanne Saathoff; and his son, Fr. Peter Kovarik. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. A Christian wake service will follow at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral. A Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Private burial will be at Pine Lawn Memorial Park. Special memorials have been established in honor of Richard Kovarik for the Terra Sancta Retreat Center (Diocese of Rapid City) and the Rapid City Club for Boys.