Stanley J KOWALSKI

16 MAY 1951 - 6 AUG 2012

• BIRTH: 16 MAY 1951, Mishawaka, IN
• BURIAL: Cremation
• DEATH: 6 AUG 2012, Mishawaka, IN

INDEX

[N4523] Stanley J. Kowalski
May 16, 1951 - Aug. 6, 2012
MISHAWAKA - Stanley Joseph Kowalski, 61, passed away on Monday, August 6th, in his home. Stanley was born on May 16, 1951, in Mishawaka, to Chester S. and Mary Jane (Sanders) Kowalski. He was preceded in death by his parents in 2003. Surviving are his sisters, Suzanne Kowalski of Mishawaka and Katherine Hiatt of Paris, IL; stepsisters, Cecile McCollum and Bernice Simms, both of Elkhart; a nephew, Jason R. Streebel of Mashpee, MA; and his longtime friend, Kate O'Hara of South Bend. Our little brother passed through the thin veil of this world to a better place, where we hope that our mother and father and his favorite uncle, Richie, among other family were at his side to guide him home. "Stan the Man" was a fiercely loyal brother, friend and companion, a person who would quietly do the small things for others that mean a great deal. He was talented in manual labor, mechanics, anything that was outdoor work, and was many years a bartender at Gordy's in Mishawaka. He could trim a tree, tape a broken object that stayed fixed, help his neighbors with chores or an unknown kind gesture, with no expectation of a "Thank you." He knew hard times and struggles and recognized it in others with a rare understanding. We who loved him still dearly love him; that will not fade from our hearts. Stan was devoted to St. Joseph. His middle name was Joseph and every March 19th St. Joseph's feast day was honored. He also was extremely patriotic and cared deeply for his country and our troops. Stan's father, Chester, who worked for Uniroyal (Ball Band) Studebaker and the City of Mishawaka, was a World War II veteran, who fought in Normandy and was a staff sergeant and medic on the front lines of the war. He died in 2003. Stan's uncle, Richard, our father's brother, was a 19-year-old two time Purple Heart recipient, and spent a year in an overseas hospital to recover from war wounds, only to rejoin the battle to the completion of the war. He died at the early age of 50 in 1975. Stanley's maternal great-great-grandfather, Elijah Harding "Hoot" Sanders from Vermilion, IL, was a pioneer farmer who joined and served with the Texas Rangers in the early 1870s. Elijah was a proud bearer of Cherokee American Indian heritage, and recently uncovered photographs of him show him to be Stan's double image, including his twinkling eyes and full beard. Hoot died at the age of 88 on July 4, 1942. To Stan's friends, we would be grateful for your thoughts and prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul, as we his family will continue to do. We mourn his significant loss from our family fabric, we ask God to Bless and keep him, and know when the veil is lifted for us he will find the time to greet us with a genuine smile. God Bless you, brother. The family will meet with friends on Friday, August 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, where a memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Rev. Barry England will officiate. Cremation will take place. Memorial contributions may be made to Cross Bars Ministry, 1102 S. Union St., Mishawaka, IN 46544; or to the Salvation Army at www.salvationarmyusa.org. To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.
Published in South Bend Tribune on August 9, 2012