John Joseph Kowalski

John Joseph Kowalski, 88, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, August 9th, 2022.

John (better known as Popo) was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on February 6th, 1934. After graduating high school John joined the Air Force, serving two years during the Korean War, stationed in Goose Bay, Labrodor. He finished out his military service at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Kolar (Momo). They went on to marry in 1955 in New Baden, Illinois, living 48 beautiful years together before Marilyn passed away in 2003.

During the early years of their marriage, John pursued a degree in engineering from Washington University in St. Louis. This was no small feat, as John split his time between his full-time career at AT&T by day and his studies by night, all while raising a family.

John was a proud service member and loyal employee, dedicating over 30 years to AT&T before retiring at the age of 56. Though John had a career full of accomplishments, the foundation of his joy came from being a man of God, a dedicated community servant and a family man.

John spent his retirement in the company of family where he frequented grandkid's sporting events (in his "Popo" chair), enjoyed Sunday breakfasts at Hy-Vee, and weekly visits to Bob Evans. Popo and Momo also lived out their glory days with annual trips to Las Vegas where they frequented Circus Circus and tried their luck at the penny slots.

John was also a man of many hobbies, including his love of vintage cars (specifically his 1967 Camaro convertible and his "Polish Jaguar"), a competitive game of chess or cards, playing music on his accordion, and relishing in a nice glass of bourbon.

Popo was an incredible patriarch of his family and will be sincerely missed by each of them.

John was preceded in death by his parents; Joseph Kowalski and Veronica Kowalski (Babcia), his five siblings; Genevieve Borowski, Veronica Kowanick, Pauline Elgin, Edmund Kowalski, and Henry J. Kowalski, his sweetheart Marilyn Kowalski, and son-in-law Dallas Slavens.

He was survived by his three children; Kathy Moore (Erin), Karen Slavens, John Kowalski II (Angie), six grandchildren; Tifani Kowalski, Jessica Steppe (Dustin), Ryan Moore, Kasey Schonwetter (Mike), Cali Kowalski, Joe Kowalski III, his four great-grandchildren; Ariel Murray, Sloane Steppe, Presley Steppe, Kelce Schonwetter and his great-great-granddaughter; Ariya Murray.

Funeral arrangements will be held at 10:30am, Tuesday, August 16th at Prince of Peace in Olathe, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Maggie's Place in support of dementia and memory care. Checks can be mailed and addressed to: Maggie's Place at Colonial Village, 12610 W. 137th St. Overland Park, KS 66221. Please note John Kowalski Memorial Fund on the subject line.




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