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Gene Sowa, 84, died Sunday, August 25th at Rainbow Hospice in Park Ridge, Illinois. Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Dorothy, nee Glinka. Loving father of Sharon (Patrick Gallagher) Erickson, and Glen (Cindy) Sowa. Devoted grandfather of Lindsay Erickson, Brittany (Chris) Walker, Cheryl (John) Osgood, and Ellen Sowa. Proud great-grandfather of Brooke Erickson Walker and Hadley Joy Walker. Son of the late Florian and Louise Sowa. Brother of the late Charlotte (the late Irvin) Chesko, the late Adeline (the late Chester) Kumiega, the late Victor (Haline) Sowa; numerous nieces and nephews. Employed by Kraft Foods for over 46 years, Gene was one of the longest tenured employees in Kraft Foods history. He was a pioneer in the new advancements in photography and received numerous national accolades and awards, including a Masters in Photography from the Professional Photographer's Association, and the Kraft Leadership Council Lifetime Achievement Award. He was often invited to be a guest lecturer at prestigious universities and was the lead photographer for Kraft Kitchens in both print and film media. In his retirement, Gene volunteered for the Special Olympics, and became the coordinator for the Kraft retiree annual golf outing. As a devout White Sox fan, Gene's lifelong dream of attending a World Series championship came true in 2005. Memorial donations may be made to Rainbow Hospice, Park Ridge, Illinois. Private family services were held. Entombment at All Saints Mausoleum.
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I worked with Gene Sowa for thirty years at Kraft Foods. Gene was a great and wonderful person and photographer. My deepest sympathy.
Rosemary Gaertig Bailen, previously Chicago, IL...now Scottsdale, AZ
October 15, 2013
My dad, Bob Glyda, passed away 25 years ago this year. It was difficult and tough to lose the person who gave me the inspiration to follow my dreams. Gene Sowa became my boss in 1977 and helped bring that inspiration to life. He was always there to support me as a photographer and encourage me to do my best as a person. And what's more important, His life long lesson's that I learned throughout the years coupled with my dad's inspiration has made me who I am today. I was so very proud of both of them.
Gene and my dad treated everyone with respect and a smile. I am sure that they are now together in heaven sharing stories about their photography, and their families.
I just wanted to say thank you to Sharon and Glen for sharing your dad with me while my dad was gone. The best part was, that I just talked to him 2 weeks before he passed away and we laughed about the good times we had. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers. May God's angels take you to that production room in the sky, and ask the question, "Now what am I going to do with all these slides?" You will be missed but not forgotten!
Joe Glyda
September 20, 2013
Our beloved Gene will be so missed. I'm sure he's making them laugh in heaven.
Robin Hochstatter
September 6, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your
time of grief. May your memories bring you
comfort.
The staff of Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care
September 5, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Gene.
He was an awesome person and fun guy.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Rich Ross & Family
September 3, 2013
I am a Kraft Foods retiree who worked with
Gene on our Marketing Department"s Youth
Advertising Projects. He was a consummate professional and a nice person. My deepest
sympathy to all his family. Ruthanne Johnson
Ruthanne Johnson 77 S. Evergreen Ave. 701
September 2, 2013
Sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort, bring comfort to your family an friends- 2 cor 1:3
September 2, 2013
When my dd, Fred Crorkin, passed away we used a picture in his obituary that Poochy had taken of my dad at a picnic in Chicago in about 1953 - it was my favorite picture of my Dad. They had lost touch with each other until Gene came to my Dad's 80th birthday party at Wrigley Field and continued to stay in touch with him and My Mom til they both passed away - within a month of each other. I hope they are not getting into a fight over the Cubs and the White Sox now that they are together!! Gene was an exceptional person and so proud of his kids and grand/great grand kids!
Carol Crorkin Scanlon
September 1, 2013
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