Donald Lewis Kowalski

Donald Lewis Kowalski, 69, passed away on April 16, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Don’s life was marked by dedication to his family, his profession, and the many people whose lives he touched.

Born on September 12, 1955, in Columbus, Nebraska, Don spent his formative years in Salem, Oregon. His family moved to Salem in 1959. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Leslie Jr. High School before graduating from South Salem High School in 1973. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Willamette University in 1977—an achievement that laid the foundation for a long and successful career.

After graduating from college, Don began his career in restaurant management, where he met his future wife, Judy. They married in 1984 and soon purchased their first home in Keizer, where they would go on to raise their family and build a life filled with love and laughter. Over the next four decades, Don and Judy embraced life to the fullest —traveling to incredible destinations, enjoying camping and biking adventures, and, most importantly, cherishing time spent with family. Don’s proudest moments in life were the births of his two sons, Eric and Jackson. A devoted father and mentor, he found great joy in guiding them with his wisdom, warmth, and storytelling.

Leaving the food industry behind, Don began his professional insurance career with Farm Bureau Insurance. Specializing in serving farmers, nurserymen, and agricultural businesses across the Willamette Valley, Don quickly built a reputation for excellence and integrity.

His commitment to providing outstanding service earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. Among his proudest accomplishments was earning Multi-Line Agent of the Year for the state of Oregon by the Life Underwriters Association in 1991. That same year he was also honored as Salem Agent of the Year—testaments to both his professional skill and personal dedication. After his retirement from Farmers Insurance in 2020, Don continued to assist his clients with their health and Medicare insurance needs.

More than just an agent, Don became a trusted advisor and friend to many of his clients. His genuine care for others and tireless work ethic left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him.

Outside of work, Don found joy in life’s simple pleasures and adventures alike. He loved cooking meals for those he cared about and found great satisfaction in his woodworking projects. Don was always ready for time outdoors. He enjoyed biking on scenic trails, ocean fishing with his brothers, camping and boating throughout Oregon and traveling to new destinations with family and friends.

Don is survived by his devoted wife, Judy Kowalski; his sons, Eric Kowalski and his wife, Carly, of Salem, OR, and Jackson Bremer-Kowalski and his wife, Lana, of Keizer, OR; and his cherished grandson, Levi. He is also survived by his siblings: Michael Kowalski and his wife, Lana, of Bend, OR; Carol Ann Biagianti and her husband, John, of Eagle, ID; Marci Davis and her husband, Ed, of La Pine, OR; Patricia Ledford and her husband, Mark, of Medford, OR; and Rick Kowalski and his wife, Beth, of Salem, OR. His many loving nieces and nephews will fondly remember Don.

His parents, Dr. Leo J. Kowalski and Marcella Kowalski, as well as his brother Leo Kowalski preceded Don in death.

Don’s legacy lives on through the love he gave so freely and the countless lives he enriched with kindness and service.

A Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Chemeketa Eola, located at 215 Doaks Ferry Rd. NW in Salem, Oregon 97304. Please join us as we celebrate Don’s life and share memories and stories of how he touched our lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Imerman Angels in honor of Don, to support their mission of providing free one-on-one cancer support. Donations can be made to https://imermanangels.org/donate.