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Jeffry Kowalski Obituary

Kowalski, Jeffry age 51, born August 19, 1957 died October 1, 2008. Dearest husband of Kimberly Kowalski (nee Bates); loving father of Madison, Mallory; and niece Marissa; son of John Kowalski, Jr. and the late Phyllis Kowalski; brother of Lauran Murphy (Tom), Linda Hall (Ed), John Kowalski III, Lisa Diveley (Dan), Joseph Kowalski, and Liz Lafser; son-in-law of Nancy Ponder; brother-in-law of Carl Ponder (JoAnn) and Kenneth Bates; uncle to Tom and Michael Murphy, Andrea and John Kowalski, Christopher and Brian Lafser, Daniel Diveley, Joshua Ponder, and Jorden Hoggard. Jeffry served twenty one years of highly decorated service with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department; Four years U.S. Army followed by six years with the U.S. Army Reserves; Active member of American Legion Post 187, member of Voiture 40/8 and member V.F.W. Post 2177. After retirement, he relocated to Harlingen, Texas in 2005 where his family church is The First United Methodist of Harlingen. He also served as Precinct 64 Chairman of the Republican Party of Cameron County. Jeff was also an active thespian with the Harlingen Performing Arts Theatre and was an avid fan of St. Louis sports' teams and John Wayne. After being shot in the line of duty, Jeff was affectionately referred to as 'Lead Belly'. Jeff will always be remembered for his generous spirit, ability to lead and zest for life.Services:Mr. Kowalski will lie in state at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road (at Butler Hill) on Sunday, October 5 from 1 to 9 p.m. thence in state at Rockport Baptist Church, 3761 Telegraph Road, Arnold, MO on Monday from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. Interment with Honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Backstoppers, P.O. Box 66927, St. Louis, MO 63166 appreciated.


Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch from Oct. 3 to Oct. 6, 2008.

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Darlene Topp

October 14, 2008

Kim and girls: Your family has my deepest sympathy in the lost of someone so very, very dear. Jeff was so proud of "his girls" and I especially remember the performance at the church music camp -- what a estatic Dad!! I trust your fond memories will carry you through your mourning and in the days to follow. Blessings to each of you.

Amanda Meagan Ruiz

October 6, 2008

Madison,

Its me Mandy. I just wanted to say that you are in my prayers and that I can't wait to see you soon. I know this is a hard trip for you, but your a real strong girl. Even though I never got to meet your dad I am sure that he was an amazing person just like you and I know when you come home there is going to be time to get to hear stories about him. Can't wait.

Jim Carroll

October 6, 2008

Jeff you will be greatly missed by those of us left behind. I am postive that you are now one of God's angels protecting the heavens with the likes of St Michael.

Kim I know that you and the girls will miss him terrably in your hearts but remember he lives on in all of us and he continues to look after us from above.

Jeff had a special quality and I will never forget him. He is the only person that I know that could laugh about being shot. The story that he told me about that time is truly unforgetable. My best memories of Vice/Narcotics are of Jeff and Steve Strehl. Jeff make sure you and Skip have a few laughs. I look forward to the day that we can all laugh together.

God bless to Jeff and may those left behind find solitude in the Lord's resurection and life yet to come.

Rebecca Blish

October 5, 2008

Dear Kim and family,
I am so saddened to hear of your loss. We are praying for all of you through this difficult time.
Love,
Rebecca Blish

Gerry Moore

October 5, 2008

Kim and Girls,

I have fond memories of your husband and your father. Rest assured he was a very good man.
I feel privilaged to have known him.
I am sure he is with his Creator, and the deserving police officers and veterans that have died before him. Your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers. God bless all of us in this time of sorrow.

Linda Chase

October 5, 2008

Kim,
Our hearts and prayers are with you.

Walt & Sharon Raye

October 5, 2008

Kim & Family,
Even though our hearts ache with the physical loss of our precious Jeff, his sweet and fiesty spirit will continue to be reflected in the family he adored. May God's Peace and our love surround you.

HARRIET FLAUAUS

October 5, 2008

I AM SAD TOHEAR OF YOUR LOSS .I WORK WITH JEFF AT THE ST. LOUIS POLCE DEPT. HE WAS A PRINCE OF A GUY

Jackie Stege

October 5, 2008

Kim and family,
I've known Jeff as long as Lisa and I have been friends 20+years. Brett and I send our prayers, take care of those girls.
Jackie and Brett Stege

meg murphy

October 5, 2008

Sarge,

You were a class act, and I will miss us. Kim, I am sorry for your loss, but I know Jeff is finally at peace. You and your girls are in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Meg Murphy (former SLPD)

Tammy Cruz

October 4, 2008

Kim and Girls,
We are so sorry for your loss. We love you all very much and will keep you and your family in our prayers. Jeff was a great man and we are lucky to have known him.
Sending love from Texas,
Mariah, Tammy, Trei and Ernie Cruz

Katie Christopher

October 4, 2008

I am so sad for your loss. Jeff was a great guy, who always took the time to be kind. He displayed courage above and beyond and inspired all who knew him.
My prayers continue for all of you.

Cindi Furry (nee Goughenour)

October 3, 2008

I am so sorry for your lose. I have special memories of Jeff from when we were kids in Glasgow. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Becky Burke

October 3, 2008

Jeff and I went to grade school together and we grew up in Glasgow Village. As a little girl, I remember Jeff was always sweet and polite, not like the other mean, annoying little boys. Years later, as adults, we both worked for the St. Louis City Police and I still had the same impression of Jeff, very sweet and polite. Not counting the recent fund raiser get together for Jeff, the last time I saw him was at his 40th Surprise birthday party where I got to meet his darling wife Kim, and adorable little girls. Jeff was a unique man and I'm glad I knew him. My heart goes out to Kim and Jeff's entire family.

Jeanie Dalton

October 3, 2008

I am deeply saddened for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love, Jeanie

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