Lars Kovala (originally Lauri Kovalainen) (b. 25 May 1818 in Oulu, Finland - 12 November 1894) acquired his schooling in Suomussalmi, Finland. was a Finnish-born American businessman, merchant, fur trader, and investor who was a prominent member of the Kovalainen family. He was the 3rd great grandfather of famous Finnish racing driver Heikki Kovalainen and father of Joonas Kovala, a founder of Onnela, Houghton County, Michigan.