Gregory Stephen Kowalski

It is with great sadness that his family announces the death of Gregory Stephen Kowalski, who departed this life on July 9, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 76. Greg was born August 16, 1946, in Fargo, North Dakota, and grew up in the neighboring town of Moorhead, Minnesota.

Greg was a kind-hearted soul with a big soft spot for animals and children. He had a quirky sense of humor that could easily catch people off guard. He never lost touch with his inner 10-year-old self, and that lighthearted playfulness surfaced often. Even in his last days when he was very sick, he was still cutting up and making us laugh. He loved sports and spirited discussions about politics. One of his favorite activities was working out at the gym, which he enjoyed not only as exercise but also as an opportunity to connect with people. He was an excellent cook, but not a great baker because he was too creative to follow a recipe. None of his dishes ever tasted quite the same twice.

Greg earned BA and BS degrees from Moorhead State College in 1969, an MA from the University of North Dakota in 1971, and a PhD from the University of Kentucky in 1975.

He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army in 1971 and received an honorable discharge at the rank of Captain, Military Police Corps, USAR, in 1986. Greg enjoyed a long career as a sociology professor at Auburn University from 1975 to 2013, where he also served as a department chair and an associate dean of academic affairs for the College of Liberal Arts. He was a great colleague, mentor, and friend who genuinely cared about his students. He loved his wife and children beyond measure.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Sharon McDonough (Franklin, TN), son Greg [Rachel] Ness (South Carolina), step-son Carter Glaus (Memphis, TN), step-daughter Elizabeth McDonough (Memphis, TN), sister Bernadette Vanatta (DesMoines, IA), brothers Jerry Kowalski (Sioux Falls, SD) and Charles [Dolly] Kowalski (Culver City, CA), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Eva Kowalski, sister Frances Dewald, and brother Andrew Kowalski.

His family wishes to thank the staff members at Barton House Memory Care, Ascension Saint Thomas West Hospital, and Alive Hospice for their kindness in caring for Greg.

Visitation took place on Saturday, July 22, at Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home, with a memorial service immediately following.

A celebration of life for Greg will take place from 3:00 to 5:30pm on August 25th at Pebble Hill, 101 S Debardeleben St, Auburn, AL 36830.

Donations in Greg’s memory may be made to Alive Hospice, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the American Civil Liberties Union, or a charity of your choice that works towards justice for and humane treatment of animals or people.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the Kowalski family.