Joseph V. Kowalski Obituary (1930 - 2013)

Joseph V. Kowalski, 83, of Pana, died Monday, September 30, 2013 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. He was born April 4, 1930 in Cicero, IL, the son of Joseph V. Anastasia Dzaiz Kowalski. He was a graduate of Morton High School in Cicero, IL, and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Joseph lived in Cicero for 59 years before moving to Woodridge, IL, then coming to Pana in 1992. He was a retired firefighter for the Oak Park Fire Department, serving for 32 years. He loved his family and friends, playing cards, and going for car rides. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren. His pets were a very important part of his life. He was a member of Pana VFW Post #4431 and past member of the Pana Eagles. Joseph married Geraldine Kowbel in 1954. She preceded him in 1988. He married Irene Mikalik in 1990, and she survives in Pana, IL, along with children: Debby (Mike) Keefe, Darien, IL; Cindy (Dennis) Zienty, Cicero, IL; Mark Kowalski, Lockport, IL; Claudine Szczepaniak, Lockport, IL; step children: Jim (Marcy) Mikalik, Oconee, IL; Janice Fonseca, Pana, IL; John (Laura) Mikalik, Lockport, IL; grandchildren: Dustin Zienty; Malakai Jedric Szczepaniak; Steven (Kelli) Fonseca; Tim, Nick, Becky Fonseca; Jimmy Mikalik; Megan Mikalik; great grandchild: Link Fonseca. He was preceded by his parents; first wife; 7 sisters; 1 brother. Funeral Information Funeral services will be Saturday, October 5, 2013 in St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 312 E. 11th St., Lockport, IL at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, IL. Friends may call on Thursday, October 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home.