Surnames: Kowieski, Krynski, Vandehey, Johnson, Linzmaier, Genett

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) February 6, 2008

Kowieski, Mike J. (11 November 1911 - 31 January 2008)

Mike J. Kowieski, age 96, 10503 Rock Inn Road, Auburndale, died on Thursday, January 31, 2008 at his home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Auburndale. Rev. Eric Linzmaier will officiate and Ashley Genett will be the organist for St. Mary’s Choir and congregational singing. Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery and Mr. Kowieski’s sons will serve as pallbearers. The visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Rembs Funeral Home, Marshfield, and on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until service time at St. Mary’s Church. St. Mary’s Holy Name Society will recite a rosary on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., at the funeral home.

Mr. Kowieski was born on November 11, 1911 in Thorp to John A. and Julianna (Krynski) Kowieski. He was a graduate of Thorp High School. On October 16, 1937 he and Marie A. Vandehey were united in marriage at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thorp. She died on July 17, 2000. After their marriage, the Kowieski’s farmed in Thorp for three years, before moving to Greenwood where they were in partnership in the grocery business for sixteen years. In 1956 they moved to Auburndale and owned Mike’s Food Center for five years. For thirty years they operated a meat processing business out of their home, retiring in 1990. While in business he also was employed at Weyerhaeuser Company, Marshfield from 1956 until his retirement.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, The Holy Name Society, and was actively involved with the St. Mary’s Friday Fish Fry’s. He enjoyed playing cards, especially sheepshead, bowling, gardening and horseshoes.

He is survived by a daughter and six sons, Joan Johnson of Auburndale, Jerry (Edie) Kowieski of Dixon, MO, Ronald (Jackie) Kowieski of Gurnee, IL, Mike K. (Shirley) Kowieski, Jr. of Wisconsin Rapids, Roger (Karen) Kowieski of Wisconsin Rapids, Thomas (Carol) Kowieski of Rudolph, and Richard (Karen) Kowieski of Stevens Point. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, five brothers, and three sisters.

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com