Joseph Chester Kowalski

Joseph "Joe" Kowalski was many things to many people: bumper pool enthusiast, fierce Dominoes competitor, former Vice President and Chicago Plant Manager at Mars, Inc., St. Benedict lector and Eucharistic Minister, small business owner and signage designer, self-described "Bearded Old Man", and most importantly, husband to Cecilia, father to seven, grandfather to sixteen, great-grandfather to twelve (with another on the way), and lifelong friend to many.

Joe was born to Marie and Bruno Kowalski, their only child after his twin sister died shortly after birth. He was a devoted son and the light of their lives. His parents were so proud of him! He grew up and went to school in Chicago, graduating from Illinois Institute of Technology with degree in mechanical engineering.

Shortly after graduating, while working with his mother at a factory assembling TV backboards, Joe met fellow employee Cecilia. He drove her home one rainy afternoon, and the rest is history! They were opposites in many ways, but perfect for each other, resulting in a marriage of 71 years filled with love, laughter, and so many happy memories. Joe never cooked, never cleaned, never did a load of laundry - but he was a great provider, always worked hard, and was the loving husband of, and best friend to, "Cis".

Joe and Cis went on to have seven kids: Linda (Tom Frampton) Knobloch, Barbara (Peter) Zedler, Carol (Chuck) Slana, Pat (Murray) Horwitz, Nancy, Bill (Donna), and Monica (Bob) LoPresti. He was also the foster father to Mark Noble Gilbert. Joe was an involved father, encouraging and supportive, always willing to listen. He and Cis made sure to broaden their kids' horizons and view of the world. Camping was their way of vacationing, and whether in the Smoky Mountains or Washington DC, vacations were memorable times together as a family. Joe and Cis were also fortunate to be part of the "School Street Gang" in Niles - great friends, more like an extended family than neighbors; what a wonderful place to have raised a family!

Joe stressed both education and faith for his kids. His expectation was that you would always do your best. He enabled his kids to go on and pursue the careers of their choice, and all became successful. Joe was proud of each of them.

Joe's Catholic faith was important in his life. He was involved at St. Juliana's in Chicago and later St. Benedict's in Fontana, serving as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. But more important than church was how he lived his life: generous, humble, honest, and always going above and beyond for others. He believed greed was the root of all evil, and was a champion for social justice.

Growing up, Joe's kids thought their Dad had the coolest job in the world, working for M&M Mars. Starting as a maintenance engineer, Joe worked his way up to Plant Manager and Vice President in Chicago. He often said he was fortunate to have worked for Mars.

After a rewarding career, Joe retired to start his own business, BEK Specialties, named in honor of his father, Bruno Edward Kowalski. BEK Specialties was a signage and engraving company with the goal of "visual communications with distinction". His philosophy was "the customer may not always be right, but is never wrong", and his exemplary customer service enabled his success. Joe was a lifelong learner, and BEK Specialties gave him an outlet for his creative talents and kept him sharp into his 90's, learning computer and engraving skills.

After Joe and Cis moved to Fontana, Wisconsin, Joe's business thrived. Meanwhile, he and Cis built a home that became a weekend retreat for their kids and their growing number of grandkids. Wonderful memories were made there: swimming, boating, tubing, sailing, go-karting, and so many holiday and birthday celebrations.

Joe was the proud grandfather of Daniel (Beth) Knobloch, Megan Knobloch, Matt (Lily) Cheng-Zedler, Kate (Andrew) Gathof, Adam (Caroline) Zedler, Michael Slana, Jean (Brendan) Caddick, Amy (Kevin) Fitzgibbon, Becca (Ryan) Graham, Sarah (Fiacha) Heneghan, Nathan Horwitz, Anna (Nick) Maleski, Rose (Patrick) Wynd, Anthony LoPresti, Jacob (Aleksandra) Hamblin, and Joey LoPresti.

It was in Fontana that Joe grew into his role as the "Bearded Old Man", giving out advice and pep talks, perfecting his bumper pool and Dominoes games with good friends Bob and Gert Moritz, and always insisting on picking up the check at restaurants. He continued to have a true interest in other people and their lives. He had an ability to connect with people, who were drawn to his smile, wit, warmth, and integrity.

Joe and Cis's final move was to Westshire Farms in Delavan, Wisconsin. There, they enjoyed a slower pace of life as they became great-grandparents. Joe was the loving great-grandfather to Avianna, Cecilia, Connor, Evan, Iphigenia, Jacob, Jonny, Joseph, Josephine, Leah, Ruth, and Ryan.

Joe's final days were ones of grace and dignity. He was surrounded by the love of family and close friends, with Cis continually by his side. He passed away on April 1, 2023. Forever loved and greatly missed, Joe's joyful spirit and kindness will live on through those who will hold the memories of their time with him close to their hearts.