Thomas Alex Kowalski

Thomas Alex Kowalski age 78 of Newaygo, bravely made his way home to our Lord and Savior on Sunday October 16th 2022. 

He was born July 30, 1944 in Tekonsha, MI to Louis and Virginia Kowalski. Tom grew up working on the family farm along side his older siblings where he no doubt developed his strong work ethic and core value of family love & loyalty.

From an early start, Thomas exuded a leadership mentality, drawing people to him so naturally. At Quincy HS he was Homecoming King, Class President, and upon graduation joined the United States Army. He faithfully served as a MP where he learned his title as a Vietnam Veteran.

He returned home just briefly till the road led him to the little town of Newaygo. Here he owned and operated the well known Valley Inn which also was the place he met the love of his life, Margaret Anne. Six months later they were married and shared a beautiful 48 years hand and hand.

Tom had a servant heart and poured into his community time and time again. He was elected as the Honorable Mayor serving 10 years. He served on the parish panel at St. Bartholomew Church, was President of the Newaygo County Chapter of Pheasants Forever, began the Kowalski Scholarship at Newaygo High School, and was instrumental in the building and development of the growth Newaygo still has to this day. He co-owned the Hi-Lites Graphics that took him throughout the surrounding counties developing many wonderful and life long friendships along the way.

Some of the things his children and grandchildren will remember fondly of their Papa are his meticulous lawn care skills, his shiny bald head, his love for pheasant hunting, reality TV, his flannel PJ’s and loafers, diet A&W root beer and German chocolate cake. 

Tom loved nothing more then his Family.  He will be dearly missed by his three daughters, Stefani (Joel) Dunn, Kari (Darren) Barbo, Susan Powers. Granddaughters Taylor, Ellie, and Kenna.  Grandson Thomas. Sisters Leona (Dallas) Seiler, Helen Brown. In laws Ben and Marie Sovinski. Along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, in laws, and good friends.

Tom was received in heavenly celebration by his wife Margaret Anne, brother Martin Kowalski, Louie and Virginia Kowalski.

Visitation will be held on Thurs. Oct 20th 6-8 PM at Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home (637 E. Main St. Fremont, MI). A church service will take place at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church (599 W. Brook St, Newaygo, MI) at 11AM on Friday, Oct 21st.  Military honors and a brief luncheon will immediately follow at church.  Burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery Fremont, MI will be at 2:30 PM on Friday, Oct 21st.

In lieu of flowers donations can be given to the Kowalski Scholarship Newaygo High School. Attn: Shawn Adams 200 East St. Newaygo, Mi 49337

You can sign the online guestbook at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral home, Inc. of Fremont.

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