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Ralph Kowalis Obituary
Peppy was born March 8, 1929, in Johnston City, the son of Tony and Anna (Bennett) Kowalis.
He married Katherine (Trapani) on June 14, 1952, in Johnston City. She preceded him in death Oct. 8, 2004.
Pep, along with his wife Katherine, owned and operated Peppy's Food Shop in Johnston City until retiring in 1995. He proudly served as a master sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Johnston City. Pep was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Baseball fan and fisherman. He was a member of Buccaneer's Club and Knights of Columbus of Johnston City.
Pep was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was loved by all who knew him.
He is survived by one son, Philip Kowalis and wife, Lisa, of Johnston City; two granddaughters, Lauren and Allyssa Mary-Joe; a sister, Pat Francescon and husband, Don, of Waterloo; a sister, Catherine Hope of Johnston City; a brother, Mike Kowalis and wife, Linda, of Olney; a brother-in-law, Ray Goralski of Chicago; four nephews, Mark Hope, Donny Francescon, Tony Francescon and Ricky Goralski; and three nieces, Diane Goralski, Debbie Goralski and Elizabeth Carter.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Walter "Sonny" Kowalis; one sister, Evelyn Goralski; a brother-in-law, Bill Hope; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Philip and Bettye Trapani; and two nephews, Mike Hope and Joe David Trapani.
Services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009, in Murman and Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City, with Sister Catherine Wellinghoff officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City, with graveside military rites conducted by Marion V.F.W., American Legion and Illinois Army National Guard. Visitation will be from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the St. Paul's Catholic Church of Johnston City. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To sign the guest register or for more information, visit www.murmanandwilson.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Kowalis
4 Entries
Scarlett Beers-Emery
October 12, 2009
Phillip - I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. It was very evident how proud he and your mom were of you as your baby picture hung on the wall for many years at the store. I know the grandchildren you gave them made them especially proud. I don't live in J'City anymore but when I would go in to the store, I missed hearing your dad's voice. You always knew when Peppy was in the store. He was very good to people and people don't forget that. Rest assured that he is with your mom now and they are busy getting everything there as perfect as they made it for you here on earth. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Kimberly Stone-Moore
October 12, 2009
Phil, My sister called to tell me. I'm so sorry to hear of this. I know how tough it is to lose a parent. I will always have found memories of hanging out your parents house with Troy and Debbie. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Gay Bennett
October 11, 2009
I am so very sorry to learn of Peppy's passing. He was a very caring man and helped so many families. I could go on and on what a great person he was, but I am sure of all the people he helped in so many different ways so many people already know what kind of man he was. Just hold those memories of a wonderful man. He will be missed by so many people.
Donnie Mansfield
October 11, 2009
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Pep. Pep and Katherine were like a second mother and father to me and Philip was like a brother that I never had. I have very fond memories growing up around the Kowalis family and will keep wonderful memories of them in my heart forever. It would be hard to find a more kind, caring and giving person than Peppy.
I worked at the Food Shop as a teen and saw Peppy do so many kind acts for the people of JC. He will be missed and loved by many. I'm so sorry for your loss.
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