Albert Dennis Kovall

Albert Dennis (Denny) Kovall passed away at Boundary Waters Care Center on February 15, 2026, at the age of 81. Al was born on February 4, 1945, in Ely, Minnesota to Albert Frank and Jennie (Skerjanc) Kovall. Al graduated from Ely Memorial High School in 1963 before studying art at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy’s Construction Battalion and proudly served as a Seabee BU2 in Vietnam. “We Build, We Fight.”

After returning home, Al continued working for the family business Kovall Construction, where he remained until 2000 when he started Albert Kovall Construction. He married April McNeal in 1969, and their daughter Kimberly was born the same year, with Kevin following in 1972. His granddaughter Caitlin was born in 1992, and he became her “cool Grandpa Al.”

Al was very active in the community, including post positions at the Ely Moose Lodge, American Legion and the VFW. He was a member of countless bowling, card and softball teams over the years. He was especially proud to have played on the 1956-57 Ely Little League team that became the first in the state to compete in the international Little League tournament, where they competed against teams from Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula and even Western Ontario. He continued to play first base during his softball years.

Al was Den or Denny to his parents, sister, extended family and many friends. Big Al to his children’s friends, the same ones that were terrified of him until they got to know him and realized his bark was truly bigger than his bite. He was also on occasion known as one version or another of “Mr. Clean” due to his reputation of fastidiousness, both in his construction work and in his appearance. Everyone knew not to touch his truck after he washed it, and he washed it almost daily. He kept a lawn worthy of the best golf courses. His children would often get compliments from people not only about the work he did for them, but also how he left his work sites: spotless. He was an excellent finishing carpenter, and he completed every job as he would have wanted it done for himself.

Al is survived by daughter Kimberly (Kent) Netzer; son Kevin (Brandi); granddaughter Caitlin Netzer; sister Jeannie Hanninen; nephews Mark and Dean Hanninen; dear friends Ricky Marolt, Bob “Pudgy” Berrini, John Perushek, Connie (Pryzbylski)and Charlie Thompson and many more. He loved Ely and he loved you all.

We would like to give special thanks to the staff at the Boundary Waters Care Center for their excellent care of our father over these past months. We are beyond grateful to you all.

You cast a long, tall shadow, Dad. You were truly one of a kind and we will miss you dearly.

“We love you. To say the least.”.

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.

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