Alex J. Kowalski Sr.

Alex J. Kowalski, Sr., 91, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away at 2:20 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2012 in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 12, 1921 to the late Frank and Josephine (Soboleski) Kowalski in South Bend, Indiana, and was a lifelong resident. On May 10, 1947, he married Alice J. Zelasko at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church-Terre Coupee in New Carlisle, Indiana. She died on January 6, 1997. Also preceding him in death were a daughter, Barbara Ann Kowalski; a granddaughter, Amelia Horban; and three brothers, Stanley, Casimer "Abe", and Henry Kowalski. Al was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps prior to World War II, where he participated in building check dams in Nevada. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II. While stationed in the Philippines, he was a Sergeant in the motor pool for a medical clearing company. Following World War II, Al and his brothers started Kowalski Brothers Auto Parts in 1945, which was later known as Auto Part City. Al then founded Al Kowalski Used Auto Parts in 1983 before retiring in 1987. His family currently continues the operation of the business. He is survived by his daughter, Suzanne (Giles) Horban; sons, Alex J. Kowalski, Jr., Gary L. Kowalski, and Patrick H. (Kathleen) Kowalski, all of South Bend; seven grandchildren, Lydia, Caleb, Jared, Noah, Miriam, Seth, and Chloe Horban, all of South Bend; sisters, Lottie (Harry) Zmyslo of Stevensville, Michigan; Irene Nies of Glendale, Arizona; and a brother, Walter Kowalski of South Bend. Al was a long time member of St. Stanislaus Kostka parish, where he belonged to the ushers' club. He loved to Polka Dance with his wife, Alice; and enjoyed playing the Harmonica. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana, where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church-Terre Coupee in New Carlisle, Indiana. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, where Military Services will be conducted. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. To send condolences, please visit, www.kaniewski.com.