Donald John Kowalewski

Donald John Kowalewski, "Cookie," age 83, died Thursday, February 19, 2015 at his home in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Donald was born October 11, 1931 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, son of the late Leo and the late Stella Kowalewski.Following his schooling, Donald entered the Unites States Army with whom he served during the Korean War. With thanks & praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to Donald for his honorable and faithful service to our country, and for helping to preserve the cause of freedom throughout the world...especially towards our friends and allies in their time of need. Following his military service, Donald returned to Pittsburgh and moved shortly thereafter to Michigan in search of employment.Donald worked various jobs, and at various shops, from draftsman to owner of his own vinyl automotive rooftop company throughout his working years. He primarily worked as an office manager until ultimately seeking retirement.When Donald was not working, he and his wife loved to travel. The couple enjoyed visiting such scenic and exciting destinations as Las Vegas, Florida, Hawaii, Virginia Beach, as well as many other inviting locales on the map. Don was also a lover of sports, catching most Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings games, when able, right from the comfort of his favorite chair at home. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially when it entailed casting his fishing line in the water. He loved to fish and was always in search of that elusive "Big One." However, his greatest passion in life was to be surrounded by his loving family, his treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Donald was the beloved husband of Joan, and is the dear father of Donna (David) Lawrence, Gary Kowalewski, Lori Becker, and the late Tracy Kowalewski. Loving grandfather of Nichole (Ryan) Hayes, Christopher (Heather) Fontecchio, Daniel (Nikki) Lawrence, Eric Becker, Jason (Nichole) Lawrence, and great-grandfather of Paige, Lillian, Xavier, Scarlett, Addison, Henley, and three more soon to come. Brother of Richard (Marie) Kowalewski, and Robert (Rita) Kowalewski. Mr. Kowalewski will lie in state Saturday from 9am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in St. Clair Shores. Celebrating the Funeral Liturgy will be Rev. Monsignor Michael Bugarin.Please share memories of Donald at his memory book above.