Former Mishawaka Mayor Bob Kovach dies. He also served in state and county government.

Former Mishawaka Mayor Bob Kovach, whose governmental career included legislative and executive posts at the city, county and state levels, died Sunday at his home after a lengthy illness. He was the only Democrat since 1959 to win election as mayor of Mishawaka.

Kovach won the mayor’s office in 1979, defeating Republican Maggie Prickett, who began GOP domination in mayoral races in 1963 and had won four terms. After one term, Kovach chose not to seek re-election. And no Democrat has been elected mayor ever since.

Before running for mayor, Kovach had served on the city council and as state senator. He went on to hold key posts in the administrations of Govs. Evan Bayh and Frank O’Bannon.

He served as Bayh’s legislative liaison director and then was appointed executive director of the Indiana Department of Commerce.

When O’Bannon was lieutenant governor, Kovach served as his executive assistant and then chief of staff. With O’Bannon’s election as governor, Kovach became his legislative director. In dealing with legislators, Kovach was known for establishing trust with Republicans as well as Democrats.

He also was involved in education at the local and state levels. For part of 22 years, with time away while serving full-time in government, Kovach was a classroom teacher and counselor with South Bend schools. He also was executive director with Ivy Tech in Indianapolis for nearly three years. His final governmental service was as a St. Joseph County commissioner. He retired from that position at the end of 2012, but still retained interest in community affairs.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Former Mishawaka Mayor Bob Kovach dies; only Democrat to win since 1959