Surnames: Kovaloski, Heimerl, Cieslik, Malinowski

----Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark Co., Wis.) 08/07/1941

Kovaloski, John Jr. #2 (25 MAY 1919 - 7 AUG 1941)

Tragic news was received here about 4:40 this afternoon telling of the death of John Kovaloski, 22, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kovaloski of this city, at Minneapolis.

John had recently underwent an emergency operation for a ruptured appendix at Minneapolis. His condition was critical for some time but the past few days it was believed that he had improved considerably. However, today his parents received word that they had better go to Minneapolis as he was failing.

He was the only boy and the youngest of a family of four children.

(Follow on in 8/14/1941 Owen Enterprise)

The unexpected passing away of John Kovaloski Jr., 22-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kovaloski of this city at Minneapolis, Minn., last Thursday, Aug. 7, was shocking news to the youth’s family and a host of friends in this city.

John, a boy that had always possessed fine health, was stricken with an attack of appendicitis two weeks ago in his rooming house in Minneapolis, where he was employed. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but the appendix had ruptured before the operation was performed. During the earlier part of last week it was believed that he was recuperating quite rapidly and favorably. But Thursday his condition took a decided change for the worse. His parents at Owen were immediately informed of his condition and departed for his bedside.

His passing comes at a time when he was making rapid and fine advancements for himself in his career as a hair stylist.

John graduated from the Moler Barber college in Minneapolis in 1939 and in 1940 was graduated from the Hollywood School of Beauty Culture also of Minneapolis. He then was employed by his sister, Mrs. Charles Heimerl, at Thorp were he gained the friendship of many in the community who were greatly grieved by the news of his passing. After a year in Thorp he left to accept a position with Kappe at Minneapolis, one of the leading hair stylists in the northwest.

Early this winter his work and advancement was delayed when he suffered serious injuries in an automobile accident. For five months he recuperated from the injuries sustained in the accident before being able to resume his work.

The past two weeks prior to his illness he had been employed as a hair stylist with the L. E. Donaldson Company of Minneapolis.

He was born in Owen on May 25, 1919. He attended the Owen public schools where he was a brilliant student and a fine athlete. He was a member of the football, basketball and baseball teams for three years, winning great acclaim for himself especially in baseball and basketball as well as being a member of the men’s chorus.

He was a member of the Championship basketball club of 1937 which won the Class C district championship at Abbotsford, Wis. John played a stellar game at guard throughout the season and was especially outstanding for his defensive work in the back court during the championship games.

John was a member of the baseball nine that won the only 2-C championship won by the school. He helped win this championship by his pitching performances.

After his graduation from school he was employed at the Carnation company and in the winter of 1937 played basketball with the Withee Badgers, a city organization.

He was a youth of exceptionally fine character. He was a devoted Christian and an active member of the local CYO organization. Because of his congenial personality and his always current smile when greeting a person, he won the admiration of many.

Final rites were read Monday at nine a. m. from the Holy Rosary church, Owen, with the Rt. Rev. John Novak officiating. Interment was made in the St. Hedwig’s church cemetery at Thorp.

Pallbearers at the service were John Gummrson Jr., Andrew Lehnen, Edward Lehnen, and Donald Knaack of Owen; and Edward Polnaszek and Peter Asselin, Thorp.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Kovaloski, and three sisters, Mrs. Frank (Helen) Cieslik, of Owen, Mrs. Malen (Josephine) Malinowski, Thorp, and Mrs. Charles (Stella) Heimerl of Newport, Minn., besides a host of friends.

Among those who attended the funeral services were Mr. and Mrs. Malen Malinowski, Mrs. Agnes Kosloski, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Zaidel of Thorp; Miss Anna Koslowski and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Middono of Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Heimerl of Newport, Minn.; John Gummerson of Detroit, Mich.; Miss Ann Bogumill, Mrs. John S. Bogumill, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Thorson, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Kass, Mrs. Marie Malinowski, Mrs. A. Wierniasz and daughter, Florence, Miss Marge Bogumill, Mike Szerlong and Mrs. M. Meski of Thorp; Frank Heimerl of Phillips; Miss Marie Kraut of Milwaukee; Donald Kraut of Dorchester; Miss Doris Weinbrenner and Max Dobberstein of Chicago.