Robert O. "Bob" Covey, 92, of Crystal Lake; Former Chamber President, Prominent CL Leader

Robert O. “Bob” Covey, 92 of Crystal Lake, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, in Crystal Lake.

Born on Jan. 21, 1921, in Oshkosh, Wis., he was the son of the late David L. and Bessie Viola (nee Otis) Covey.

On June 3, 1943, in Madison, Wis., he was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Karlen.

Robert received a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and a J.D. (Juris Doctor) from Northwestern University.

A proud member of the United States Navy, he served in the Pacific during World War II, attaining the rank of Lieutenant JG and served aboard the USS President Adams (part of the Unholy Four).

Mr. Covey was partner in the law firm Covey, McKinney & Powers; partner in the law firm of Covey & Covey; president and chairman of the board of First Federal Savings & Loan of Crystal Lake; vice president of First Federal of Chicago; and vice president of Citibank.

He also served as president of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce in 1951 and was a chamber member for 63 years. He was an Ambassador’s Club member and the Business of the Year Award was established in Robert O. Covey’s name in 2003. 

In 1993 he received the Citizen of the Year Award, and in 2009 the Carl E. Wehde Award.

Robert was founding Director and President of the Crystal Lake United Way; Director and President of McHenry County United Way; and founding Director and President of Crime Stoppers – 1983.  A member of the McHenry County Board from 1985 to 1994, he served as Vice Chairman of the Board and Chairman of Building Project.

He was Co-Chairman and President of the Crystal Lake All American City Campaign. A 63-year member of the Crystal Lake Lions Club, he served as President from 1964 – 1965, and received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, Distinguished Service Award, and Member of the Year Award 2003-2004.

Robert was the school board president of School District 47 from 1951 to 1961; was Northern Division Committee Chairman of Junior Achievement of Chicago from 1980-1981; member of the McHenry County Bar Association; member of the Crystal Lake Jaycees and recipient of the Distinguished Service Award; Nunda Masonic Lodge; 32 Degree Mason and Shriners 50 year Member Award; member of Napkin Ring for 40 years; and was honored as the Grand Marshall of Gala Fourth of July Parade in 2009.

Mr. Covey was a member of First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake where he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Governing Board, and Sunday School teacher.

Robert is survived by his children, Karlen R. (Susie) Covey, Kathleen M. (John) Euler, Carol A. (Miles) Beard, and Christopher G. Covey; grandchildren, Kelly (Eric) Breihan, Heather (Sam) Sorensen, Donald J. Donner, Regan (Jeremy) Bruski, John P. (Jennifer) Euler, Michael (Michele) Euler, Celeste Sollenberger, Dwight J. (Lauren) Beard, and Clayton Beard; and 21 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary Elizabeth Covey; his parents, David L. and Bessie V. Covey; and brother Paul Covey.

Bob was a real gentleman and loved his family, his community, his church, his friends, traveling with Mary, playing bridge and loved the Wisconsin Badgers (he was a 50-year season ticket holder). He loved to laugh, had an infectious smile, and could never remember the punch line of a joke.

Robert’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Fair Oaks Health Care Center in Crystal Lake for all the special care and kindness given to their father.

The visitation for Robert will be from 3 to 9 p.m. with a service at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 9, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Route 176, Crystal Lake. The Rev. Dr. Arn Schaper will officiate. 

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lions Foundation of Crystal Lake, P.O. Box 48, Crystal Lake IL, 60039.