Ronald Kowalkoski

A word that describes Ron is “gentleman”; is quiet, kind, and a thinker who shared ideas that he had given deep thought to. He was wise, thoughtful, and managed himself in a manner that others saw character, depth, and compassion.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Frances Kowalkoski of Bay City, MI, a brother Armond and sisters-in-law Jane and Joanne Kowalkoski.

Survivors include his devoted wife Ann (Jenkins) Kowalkoski, his daughter Cynthia (David) Boles, son Ronald, Jr., two grandsons Aaron (Kassidee) Boles of Akron, OH and Austin Boles of Westerville, OH, a brother Frederick in Hale, MI, brother-in-law, Bill Jenkins of Columbia, SC, sister-in-law, Sarah Lynn Ruggles of Conroe, TX and many nieces and nephews.

He was a native of Bay City, MI and was the product of a devout Christian family. He graduated from Bay City Central High School and played main string tackle on a very successful high school football team that won the Saginaw Valley Championship.

After high school, he planned to attend college but a final decision hadn’t been made until one day the Central Michigan University football coach came to his home and offered him a scholarship to play at CMU. He excelled in football and the ROTC program and graduated, receiving his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant Ordnance Officer. Due to his athletic ability, he was scouted for professional football but his first commitment was to military duty.

He was a decorated officer and served at Ft. Bragg, Ft. Lee, Rock Island Arsenal, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, two tours in Viet Nam, and in Germany: Heidelburg, Aschaffenburg, and Stuttgart. Army life was good for his family.

After retirement, he became the Properties Manager for the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana overseeing 6 major programs centers and campsites in Kentucky and Indiana.

Participating in the Elizabethtown Lions Club was a huge part of his life after retiring. Serving as President, Secretary, and several committee chairs. He received many awards including the highest award, Finis E. Davis Fellow Award.

Ron was a faithful member of Cecilia Baptist Church where he was active in church ministries. He loved the Lord and shared his faith with others.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 29th at Brown Funeral Home with Pastor Donnie Davis officiating. Guests are welcome to visit on Wednesday, from 10 until the time of service at 1 PM. Burial with military honors will follow in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cecilia Baptist Church Building Fund.

Cecilia Baptist Church

416 E Main St

Cecilia, KY 42724

https://www.cbclife.us/give