April 25, 2022 – West Bend, WI – John R. Kowaleski, 83, of West Bend passed away Sunday, April 17, 2022, at Froedtert Hospital in West Bend.
He was born on December 26, 1938, to the late Richard and Phyllis (nee Ramczyk) Kowaleski in Milwaukee, WI. He grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Boys Tech High School in 1956. John honorably served in the United States Army. On September 14, 1963, he was united in marriage to Paula Baldwin. John worked for the Falk Corporation for many years until retirement.
John enjoyed bowling, grilling, cooking, and word search puzzles. He loved anything about WWII and watching the birds. He played in a polka band with his prized possession, his accordion. He enjoyed going out for breakfast with his retired friends, the “Breakfast Club”. John had an extraordinary sense of humor. He made it a point once a month on a Sunday to bring donuts and hot ham to his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Those John leaves behind to cherish his memory include the love of his life, Paula Baldwin; two children, Ellen (Clarence “Sammy”) Aumend and Darryl (Sandy) Kowaleski; nine grandchildren, Joshua Balthazor, Amanda Krolski, Megan Krolski, Matthew Krolski, Christopher Kowaleski, Kristin (Paul) Craig, Ryan Kowaleski, Kaley Kowaleski, and Haley Kowaleski; a brother, Richard (Joani) Kowaleski; brother-in-law, David Maciejewski, sister-in-law, Patricia Brown; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Maciejewski, and two infant grandsons.
A memorial service in remembrance of John will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at 3 p.m. at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington St., West Bend.
The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 1 p.m. until 2:45 p.m.