Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1954
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Martin Kowalski Obituary
Born: September 2, 1954 in Chicago, IL
Died: March 25, 2025 in Seatonville, IL
Martin Edward Kowalski, "Marty", age 70, passed away at his home in Seatonville, IL on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
A visitation for Marty will be held Sunday, March 30th, at the Barto Funeral Home in Spring Valley, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, with a brief funeral service beginning at 4:00 PM. Cremation will follow the services, and a graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 2nd, at Valley Memorial Park Cemetery in Spring Valley.
Marty was born in Chicago, IL on September 2, 1954, to Edward Martin and Rosemary C. Kotula Kowalski.
Marty dedicated his life to music as a pianist and singer, but his true passion was as a guitarist. His love for Jimi Hendrix motivated him to teach himself to play simply by listening to his music. At 16, he travelled the country with Brimstone, before starting his own band, ARG. Not only was this band a lifelong passion, but it also introduced him to the love of his life, JoAnn Kowalski (nee Vermette), who had auditioned to be the band's drummer. They were blessed with 34 years of marriage, along with their band and array of animals, including Bandit, Wiggles, and Bella. They raised many more throughout their lives. Marty was a beloved son, husband, brother, uncle, and friend and he will be dearly missed.
Marty follows his beloved wife, JoAnn; his brother, Ronald Kowalski; his father, Edward Kowalski, and his stepfather, Lawrence Klamik.
He is survived by his mother, Rosemary C. Klamik, of New Lenox; his sister, Jennifer F. (Michael) Blake, of New Lenox; nephews, Ronald J. (Jenni) Kowalski of Oak Forest and Jeffrey M. (Jessica) Kowalski of Mesa, AZ; nieces, Abigail K. (Shadrach) Blake-Holland, of Tinley Park and Kaitlyn P. Blake of Bloomington, IL; a cousin, Gregory Bartos, of Tinley Park; along with numerous great nieces and nephews; and his bird, Hope.
A guestbook may be signed and memories shared with the family by visiting bartofh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martin Kowalski
Sponsored by Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Martin Kowalski's name
Memorial Events
for Martin Kowalski
Mar
30
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley120 West Cleveland Street, Spring Valley, IL 61362
Mar
30
Service
4:00 p.m.
Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley120 West Cleveland Street, Spring Valley, IL 61362
Funeral services provided by:
Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley120 West Cleveland Street, Spring Valley, IL 61362
How to support Martin's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Martin Kowalski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
