Joseph “Joe” J. Kowalski, age 89, of Tomahawk, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021. Joe was born in Milwaukee, Wis., on March 19, 1932, to the late Walter and Josephine (Golla) Kowalski. Joe served as an MP in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was married to Barbara Volkert on June 16, 1979; she survives.
Joe grew up in the Milwaukee area and graduated from the Milwaukee South Division High School. After the military, he began his long employment with Teledyne Wisconsin Motors, retiring in 1990. Following retirement, Joe and Barb moved to the Northwoods, where they enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and going to the casino.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Kowalski; his children, Sharon McMurray, Marie (Rich) Hoener, Mike (Sandy) Kowalski, Brian Kowalski, and Diane (Tony) Stieghorst; his brothers-in-law, Richard (Nancy) Volkert, Paul (Tricia) Volkert, and Steve (Joni) Volkert; his sisters-in-law, Ellaine (Ken) Puls, Karen (Rick) Langdon, and Sue Volkert. He is further survived by eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Josephine; his daughter, Barbara; his brothers, Ed and Jerome; his sisters, Rose, Jean, Dorothy, Patricia, and Irene; his brother-in-law, John Volkert; and his sister-in-law, Adrianne Swingen.
Memorial services for Joseph Kowalski were held on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, at 11 a.m., at Generations Funeral Home, Tomahawk. The family received friends for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. View Joe’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.