Jennie Kogovsek

JENNIE KOGOVSEK, age 93, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and the heart of her family, passed away peacefully after a short illness on August 6, 2026. Beloved wife for 63 years to Frank Kogovsek, who passed away earlier this year. Loving mother of Frank, Jr. (wife Laurie), Louise Sulecki (husband Jim), David (wife Amy), Monika Michaud (husband Jeff), and Majda Valerian (husband Dan); much-loved grandmother "Mama" of Nicholas and Jennifer Kogovsek, Erika (Richard Brown-Hernandez) and Nathan Sulecki, David and Brennan Kogovsek, Marina Keel (husband Christopher), Brianna Debczynski (husband Mat), Celena Auer (husband Sean), Jeffrey Michaud, Jr., and Michael, Nola, and Alex Valerian and great-grandmother of Christopher Jr. "CJ" Keel. Cherished daughter of the late Louis and Marija (nee Marinko); dearest sister of Stanley Rus (Jill Marincic), Anthony Rus (wife Rezka "Theresa"), France Rus (wife Ivanka dec.) and the late Josef Rus (wife Irena), Ivan Rus (wife Josie, dec), Mici Smuk (husband Matija, dec), Frances Vidmar (husband John, dec), Antonia Vrenko (husband Miha dec.), Slavko, and Lojzka, dear aunt, great-aunt, and friend of many.

Jennie was born Ivanka Rus on October 4, 1932, in Log pri Brezovica, Slovenia. She grew up working alongside her brothers and sisters on the family farm, where she learned from an early age the meaning of hard work, perseverance, and family. Her childhood was marked by the hardships and uncertainty of war, experiences that shaped the strong and resilient woman she would become.

In Slovenia, Jennie met the man who would become her husband, Frank Kogovsek. In 1958, she made the courageous journey to America to begin a new life. Frank soon followed, and the two were married in 1963. Together, they built a family and a life in America, raising five children in a home she and Frank built in Willoughby Hills, Ohio.

Jennie was a devoted and hardworking mother. She also worked as a seamstress at Richman Brothers and later at Fisher Body in Euclid. No matter how busy or demanding her life became, her family always came first. She worked hard not only to provide for her children, but to give them opportunities and a life she hoped would be better than the one she had known.

After retiring, Jennie found great joy in caring for her grandchildren. She was not simply their grandmother; she was their teacher, caregiver, and constant source of encouragement. She taught them how to read and write, how to ride a bicycle, and countless other lessons that extended far beyond the classroom. She was always there to guide them and make sure they knew they were loved.

Jennie was also a wonderful cook who had taken cooking classes in Europe, and her kitchen was a place where family gathered and memories were made. She generously passed her knowledge and love of cooking on to all five of her children, and while it is difficult to replicate her feasts, this ensured that many of her recipes and traditions would live on through the generations. In addition to cooking, Jennie also was a diligent and very successful gardener, always tending to her very large vegetable garden and extensive landscape.

But perhaps Jennie's greatest legacy was the love and strength she gave to her family. Mama was the backbone of the family. She was the steady presence behind so many of the accomplishments and successes of those around her. The people she loved knew they could always count on her unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement.

Our beloved Mama anchored a room by her mere presence. Her love and concern for her family knew no boundaries. In us, she instilled values that we will carry throughout our lifetime. Jennie will be deeply missed by her five children, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her extended family and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at St. Vitus Catholic Church, 6019 Lausche Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103, at 10 AM.

Burial following at All Souls Cemetery.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Jennie at THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) TUESDAY 3-7 PM.

Online obituary, guestbook, & order flowers at www.DeJohnCares.com