Obit: Kowitz, Ronald H. (1940 – 2021)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Kowitz, Pabst, Matrejek, Owens

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 3/06/2021

Kowitz, Ronald H. (7 October 1940 – 24 February 2021) With Flag

Ronald H. Kowitz, 80, of Greenwood, passed away at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, on Wednesday, February 24, 2021.

Ron was born October 7, 1940 in Mondovi, to Hilmer and Caroline (Pabst) Kowitz. He was raised and received his education in Mondovi, graduating from Mondovi High School in 1958. After high school, Ron attended District One Technical Institute in Eau Claire, and then used his degree working at the American National Bank in Eau Claire. In 1963, he enlisted in the Army National Guard, completing his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, all while continuing to work at the bank. It was shortly thereafter when Ron met his wife of nearly 50 years, Pamela Matrejek. They were united in marriage on April 24, 1971 at Immaculate Conception Church in Eau Claire.

In 1973, Ron was able to continue his banking career and relocated with his family to Hayward. This is where Ron learned the importance of giving back to the community and started to invest more of his personal time into the town where he lived. Ron played a key part of getting the American Birkebeiner (aka “The Birkie”) up and running, an American tradition that started in 1973.

Ron moved the family to Greenwood, in 1977. This is where his roots would be planted permanently, working at the Farmers and Merchants Bank for most of the time then finishing out his career in a financial role at Grassland Dairy. Even though Ron was a mainstay working at the local bank, he would soon be known for his commitment to making Greenwood the best possible town, as his passion in helping the community continued to grow. The starting point was in 1977 as a member of the Greenwood Jaycees that evolved to numerous leadership positions in the Greenwood Lions Club. In addition to these community associations, Ron belonged to the Greenwood Area Economic Development Corporation, the Athletic Booster Club, the Bowling Association, numerous Dairy Days Committees, and was a key figure in Chamber of Commerce for over 20 years. Ron became a pillar of the Greenwood community and was ultimately recognized with Greenwood’s prestigious Citizen of the Year award in 1996.

Ron’s other passion was music. He learned to play the organ by himself at a very young age after listening to his father play various instruments. As he honed his skills, church congregations would become the benefactors over the next 50 years. Ron played the organ at his local church in every step along his journey, and he ultimately became the head organist at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Greenwood. Ron’s love of music not only allowed him to play on Sundays but empowered him to mentor the next generation of organists as he helped multiple high school students get their start.

During Ron’s “Off Time”, one could see him at a local polka festival, gardening in the backyard or cheering on the local sports teams from the sidelines Ron poured his heart and soul into his family, his community, and his Heavenly Father.

Ron will be dearly missed and survived by his family: wife, Pam, of Greenwood; children: David (Elizabeth) Kowitz of Atlanta, GA and Christopher Kowitz of Eau Claire, and he was blessed with two grandchildren, Ryan and Katelyn Kowitz of Atlanta, GA.

He is further survived by his brother, Richard Kowitz of Mondovi; nephew, Jon (Vicky) Kowitz and niece, Kelly Owens.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Janet Kowitz.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date and will be live-streamed for the public on Our Savior’s Lutheran Church website, date and time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be directed towards Ron’s favorite local charities and organizations.