The Winneshiek County Community Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Roman Kovarik Memorial Scholarship Fund, created in memory of Roman Kovarik, a hardworking and deeply admired Spillville native and 2001 graduate of South Winneshiek High School.

Your gift to the Roman Kovarik Memorial Scholarship Fund with the Winneshiek County Community Foundation allows South Winn Dollars for Scholars to award financial assistance to graduating seniors of the South Winneshiek Community School District pursuing higher education. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated financial need, are interested in technical education such as mechanics, electrical, HVAC, or agriculture, and have participated in volunteer activities or been employed while in high school.

Roman grew up on a farm outside of Spillville as the oldest of three children. He carried with him the values of dedication, responsibility, and perseverance instilled by his parents, Ron and Nancy (Nienhaus) Kovarik. After graduating from South Winneshiek, Roman attended Northeast Iowa Community College, where he completed the Diesel Mechanic Program while working at Franzen Sales and Service. Driven by a dream to further his skills, he later attended MTII in Orlando, Florida, becoming a Certified Harley-Davidson Mechanic. He went on to work at Gator Harley in Leesburg, Florida, where he formed lasting friendships with coworkers and customers who admired his character and work ethic.

Tragically, Roman passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2006, in a motorcycle accident in Dahlonega, Georgia. Though his life ended far too soon, he leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, determination, and kindness that continues to inspire those who knew him.

The scholarship was established by Roman’s aunt and uncle, Sue and Darron, along with his mother Nancy, brother Wayne, and sister Maria. Through this fund, the family hopes to honor Roman’s spirit by helping students pursue their own dreams and create meaningful connections throughout their journeys.

“Creating this scholarship was important to us because Roman believed in working hard, chasing dreams, and helping others along the way,” said Sue Sander. “We hope this scholarship gives students the same opportunity to grow, explore, and achieve their goals.”

The family chose the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa as a partner to ensure that Roman’s legacy is thoughtfully managed and continues to make an impact for future generations.

How to Support the Fund
The Roman Kovarik Memorial Scholarship Fund accepts financial gifts of cash, checks, or stock through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, located at 3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Checks should be made payable to the “Roman Kovarik Memorial Scholarship Fund.” Contributions can also be made online through the Community Foundation’s secure website at www.cfneia.org/donations/kovarikscholarship/

Donors to the fund are eligible to receive a 25% state tax credit through Iowa’s Endow Iowa program. For more information about this program, visit www.cfneia.org/donors/endow-iowa-tax-credit/.

Questions?
For inquiries about contributing to the fund, please contact Terry Gaumer, Charitable Advisor with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, at 319-243-1354 or tgaumer@cfneia.org.

For more details about the Winneshiek County Community Foundation and its work, visit www.cfneia.org/affiliate/winneshiek.