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McCracken-Dean Funeral Home

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Pana, Illinois

Joseph Kowalski Obituary

Kowalski, Joseph V. 83, of Pana, IL died Monday, September 30 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. He was born April 4, 1930 in Cicero to Joseph V. and Anastasia Dzaiz Kowalski. He was a graduate of Morton High School in Cicero, and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Joseph lived in Cicero for 59 years before moving to Woodridge, IL, then coming to Pana in 1992. Joseph was a retired firefighter for the Oak Park Fire Department, serving for 32 years. He loved his family and friends, playing cards, and going for car rides. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren, and his pets were a very important part of his life. He was a member of Pana VFW Post #4431 and past member of Pana Eagles. Joseph married Geraldine Kowbel in 1954, and she preceded him in 1988. He married Irene Mikalik in 1990. She survives in Pana, IL, along with children: Debby (Mike) Keefe, Darien, IL; Cindy (Dennis) Zienty, Cicero, IL; Mark Kowalski, Lockport, IL; Claudine Szczepaniak, Lockport, IL; step-children: Jim (Marcy) Mikalik, Oconee, IL; Janice Fonseca, Pana, IL; John (Laura) Mikalik, Lockport, IL; grandchildren: Dustin Zienty; Malakai and Jedric Szczepaniak; Steven (Kelli) Fonseca; Tim, Nick, and Becky Fonseca; Jimmy Mikalik; Megan Mikalik; great-grandchild: Link Fonseca. He was preceded by his parents; first wife; 7 sisters and 1 brother. Memorials may be made to Decatur & Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation or American Kidney Fund. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 5 in St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 312 E. 11th St., Lockport, IL at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, IL. Visitation will be Thursday, October 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home, Pana. Send condolences to www.mdfh.com.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Oct. 2, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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to my loving grandpa

dustin zienty

October 3, 2013

The Lord smiled when Joseph walked into heaven! Be at peace Mark! Rachel

Rachel Hultz

October 3, 2013

There's a special kind of hurt when the last of my grandmother's (Sabina Pietrzak) siblings die. I wish I could have known him. I've heard so many nice things about him. My heart goes out to his family, as well as my prayers.

Lynn Delnicki

October 3, 2013

Your in my thoughts and prayers Claude and Family.

Tina LaRocco

October 2, 2013

Dear Cindy, Dennis, Dusty and the entire family

We are so sorry for the loss of your father. Our prayers are with you ! May he rest in peace!

Love,
The Braun Family
Jeff, Donna, Christine and Jeffrey

Jeff Braun

October 2, 2013

Claudine and family!
My prayers go out for much comfort and peace at this difficult time! I have wonderful memories of your father taking 3 crazy girls sledding the show roller skating and many other places! Thank you for those great memories! With much love rest in peace!

Kimberley Coco-Calderon & Family

October 2, 2013

Although I never met Mr. Kowalski, I know the broken heart he has left his remaining family with. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Terry Zufan

October 2, 2013

May his soul and the souls of all the departed rest in peace.

The Rev Mark (Gary Johnson) Kowalski

October 2, 2013

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Funeral services provided by:

McCracken-Dean Funeral Home

308 East 2nd Street, Pana, IL 62557

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