Chester Michael Kowalski's Obituary
Chester Michael Kowalski, 93, died May 15th, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Grace, of 68 years, three daughters, Jacqueline Grace Dorr (Clair) of Dewitt, MI, Susan Marie St. Pierre (Ernie) of Williamston, MI, and Patricia Anne Russell (W.L. “Buddy”) of Germantown, 7 grandchildren, Michael Dorr, Patrick Dorr, Trina Hidalgo, Aimee St. Pierre, Paul St. Pierre, Jackie Mitchell, John St. Pierre and his beloved seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Theresa Kowalski, both of Polish decent.Born and raised in Michigan, Chet met his wife, Grace Collins, at the age of 21 at the ice cream parlor where she worked. Chet retired from Rockwell International (now Boeing) where he was employed as a Certified Manufacturing Engineer and was their Plant Manager. Chet was relocated to Memphis with his family in 1963 after working in the Tool and Die Division of Lyon Inc., maker of the first hubcaps for the automotive industry. Chet and Grace were active members of St. Louis Catholic Church for over 45 years. He was a member of the Livonia, MI Chapter of the Knights of Columbus, as well as St. Louis Catholic Church Fleur-de-lis and Holy Spirit Fun Group. Chet’s hobbies included golfing, fishing, playing bridge and cribbage, and bird watching. He was also well-known by his family and friends as a gourmet cook and avid photographer. Chet was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather and will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.Visitation will be Tuesday, May 19th, from 5-8pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home with a rosary service at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, May 20th, at 10:00 am at St. Louis Catholic Church with Reverend John B. McArthur officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park.
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