Jan LeRoy Coveyou

We are saddened to share that Jan Leroy Coveyou, 84, of Petoskey, passed away on February 13, 2026. Jan was born on August 20, 1941, to Paul Leo and Margaret "Rozelle" (Kellogg) Coveyou. He was one of four brothers and enjoyed an active childhood as the family lived in several Michigan cities. 

After high school, Jan joined the Army. He spent three years stationed in Germany, where he traveled around Europe with his wife and young son. The family moved back to Petoskey for a few years, then lived in Alaska for seven years as their family grew. While in Alaska, he worked and served as a volunteer firefighter... just one example of his willingness to always help others. They eventually returned to Petoskey, where Jan lived for the rest of his life. 

Jan was smart and enjoyed working with his hands. Early on, he repaired small appliances and TVs, worked as a carpenter, and became a skilled cabinet maker. For most of his life, he ran a business that supplied, installed, and serviced arcade games, pinball machines, pool tables, and jukeboxes across Northern Michigan. Jan was a talented repairman who enjoyed restoring old machines. 

Jan was devoted to his family and loved getting together with friends and relatives to share meals, stories, and laughter, whether the jokes were good or bad. He was known for his enthusiasm and love of conversation, which earned him the nickname "Jaws." His children and grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he was very proud of all they achieved.

Jan loved boating in his free time and often spent hours on the peaceful lakes and rivers nearby. He was also active in his church and enjoyed singing solo or with the choir. In his later years, Jan liked going out for lunch at Friendship Centers and local restaurants, where he made many friends and meaningful connections.

Jan was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Ron and Curtis. He is survived by his brother, Gary Coveyou; his beloved children, Jon (Suzie) Coveyou, Terry (Mary) Coveyou, Eric (Carla) Coveyou, Matthew Kimo (Christina) Ferguson, Brooke McLeod and Sara (Chris) Christensen; his grandchildren, Brandy, Hana, Christopher, Darius, Tai, Maeli, Alison, Brianna, Lauren, Will, Mathew, and Russell; and his great-grandchildren, Zachery, Ciara, Lincoln, Evie, Orion, and Spyra. 

Jan will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and everyone who knows him. His joyful, loving spirit will live on in the memories he leaves behind.

A memorial service will be held in the spring.

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