Joseph Kowalski

Joseph James "Joe" Kowalski, 87, of Scottsdale, AZ, and former long-time resident of suburban Chicago, Il, passed away in the presence of his daughters 4/29/2015.  He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Jo Kowalski.  Born 11/4/1927 in Chicago, the last of 10 siblings, Joe grew up poor but always strived to better his life for those he loved.  He graduated from Tilden Tech HS and joined the Navy in the waning years of WWII.  He became a carpenter, married his wife, Josephine "Jo" Glab 5/15/1949 and together they raised 5 children in Oak Lawn, IL.

While raising their family, Joe and Jo partnered in his carpentry business, growing it to become Joseph J. Kowalski, Inc. also known as Kowalski Builders, a small and well-respected custom homebuilding business known for good design, quality construction and attention to detail.  Homes were built in Oak Lawn as well as the western Chicago suburbs, from Western Springs to Naperville.  He was a member of the Carpenters Union, Sertoma International and the Northern Illinois Homebuilders Association.

He built his last custom home in Scottsdale, AZ in 1985 where he and Jo retired.  Always physically active, Joe enjoyed playing golf and bike riding.  For fun, he and Mrs. Jo would play bingo at a local casino.  He was an active member of St. Patrick and later, St. Bernard of Clairvaux parishes of Scottsdale.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jo, and is survived by daughters Jo Ann Bergdoll, Joette "Jet" Atkinson, and Joliene "Jolie" Viken, all of Scottsdale, and sons Joseph Kowalski of Rockford, IL and Joel Kowalski of Western Springs, IL as well as 11 grandchildren.  He is lovingly remembered for his "can do" attitude, love of a good joke, strong work ethic, respect for others and pride in his family, his "7 Joes".  A private memorial service will be held.  Contributions to Alzheimer Disease research in Joe's name are welcomed.

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