Casimir "Casey" Kowaleski's Obituary
Casimir “Casey” Kowaleski, 91, of Killeen, TX, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Tuesday, February 20, 2018.Casey was born on December 21, 1926, in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, the eldest of six sons born to Charles Frank and Katherine Zielinski Kowaleski. Casey graduated from Wild Rose High School in 1944.On May 17, 1952, Casey married the love of his life, Donna Mae Barnes, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Heffron, WI. Soon after their marriage, the couple were separated for a year during the Korean War as Casey was serving with the United States Air Force. Once he returned, they lived in South Carolina, Illinois, Iowa and then in England where by now, they were traveling with their 3 children, Barbara, Charles and David. This was a very happy time in his life as he was experiencing these memories with his family by his side. Upon returning to the States, he left the Air Force and lived for a brief time in Oshkosh, WI. He soon realized that he missed military life and went back into the United States Army where he served for another 8 years until his retirement in January of 1971. During his time in the Army, he was stationed at Fort Knox, KY, Ft. Devens, MA, Korea, and finally to Ft. Hood, TX. After retiring from the Army, Casey worked as a car salesman at several dealerships in Killeen.Casey had a passion for woodworking and furniture making. He especially loved to make Donna gifts with his scroll saw and toys for his granddaughters when they were young as well as his great-grandson later on. Casey found joy in the 65 years he was able to spend with his wife, Donna, and he was very proud of his 3 children, 2 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and 2 great-great-grandchildren.He had a deep faith in God which was a source of comfort to him as his health declined. We will miss the twinkle in his baby blue eyes and his love for us all until we are able to be together again.Casey was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers: Marion, Adrian, and Ronald Kowaleski. He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Barbara Payne and husband Donnie of McKinney, TX; son, Charles Kowaleski and wife, Karen of Salado, TX; son, David Kowaleski of Killeen, TX; granddaughters, Donna Latham and husband Bobby of McKinney, TX, and Julie Payne of Van Alstyne, TX; great-grandson, Austin Payne and wife Jordan of McKinney, TX; great-great-grandchildren, Chase Payne and Aimslee Payne, brothers, Jerome Kowaleski of Wild Rose, WI and Denis Kowaleski of Waupaca, WI; brothers-in-law, Bob Barnes and Harry Barnes; sisters-in-law, Lucille Vezina and Clara Barnes and many nieces and nephews.Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Saint Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church in Harker Heights, TX. The Very Reverend Richard O’Rourke, M.S.C. officiated at his requiem Mass. Burial will be at a later date at the Hancock City Cemetery, Hancock, WI.Arrangements have be entrusted to Restland Funeral Home of Dallas.
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