Robert "Bud" Kowitz

Robert "Bud" Kowitz, age 91, of Woodbury, MN passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am on Friday, September 6, 2024 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 920 Holley Ave, St. Paul Park with visitation one hour prior from 9:30 - 10:30 am. Interment at the church cemetery with a luncheon to follow. 

Bud was born on February 14, 1933, to Walter and Thelma (Hall) Kowitz in St. Paul, MN. He graduated from St. Paul Park High School in 1951, where he excelled in sports, particularly as a baseball pitcher. He joined the Naval Air Reserve during his senior year of high school and served for seven years as a machinist. Bud was united in marriage to his beloved Mary Jean Sward on May 1, 1954. They raised their three children in St. Paul Park before moving to Woodbury in 1982. Bud served on the District 833 School Board from 1966-1978.

Bud worked his entire career at the Northwestern Refining/Ashland Oil refinery in St. Paul Park, retiring in 1992 as Operations Superintendent. Mary Jean and Bud split their retirement between Woodbury and Edgewater, Florida, where Bud particularly enjoyed golfing. He kept golfing even into his 90th year!

Bud is survived by children Mary Jo (Wyeth) Lewis and James; daughter-in-law Lorraine Kowitz; 12 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Jean; son Jeff; siblings Walter (Arlene) Kowitz and Patricia Bialucha.

In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to The Pillars Hospice Home: https://www.beyondhospicemn.org/donate

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