Kenneth Kowalski

Taken from his loved ones too soon, Kenneth Kowalski was a genuine blessing in the lives of so many around him. He was loving, kindhearted, and generous to the point of giving the shirt off his own back to someone in need. When Ken loved, he did so from the bottom of his heart, and he cherished every moment he had to spend with the ones he treasured more than life itself. Although he worked hard, he also played hard - often with his family by his side. Life will never be the same without Ken here, but the memories he leaves behind will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of his friends and loved ones.

The 1960s were a time to remember in American history. We elected the youngest President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, and as a nation we mourned his death just a couple of years later. Martin Luther King, Jr. transformed civil rights in America while we celebrated the first man in space in 1961. It was just as this decade dawned that a young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was delighted to welcome twin boys into their hearts and home on October 21, 9160. Ken and his twin brother, Keith, were two of three children born to their parents, Lanny and Bertha (Jenkins) Kowalski, and they were raised in the family home on Poe Avenue in Wyoming alongside their younger sister, Kandy. Ken’s father worked as the shop foreman at AJ Sparks Belting while his mother worked at Harred Meats, Meijer, and Sam's Club.

For the most part Ken experienced an upbringing that was typical for other young boys of his generation. He liked to swim and fish on his parents’ lake with friends and family, and he fostered close relationships with his siblings. Ken and Keith were frequent playmates who liked making dioramas and other craft type projects together. At an early age he discovered that he was creatively gifted in things like drawing, painting, and singing. Ken played baseball and was part of a championship Little League team. During his elementary years he attended local schools in Wyoming, and his years in high school found him in Rockford where he played baseball and sang in the choir. As a family the Kowalskis attended Clyde Park Church of the Nazarene.

Life was forever changed for Ken when he met the woman of his dreams. Her name was Denise Ripley, and they met through his sister. Together they were true soul mates who were also best friends and constant companions. They were blessed with the births of two boys, Kyle and Steven Kowalski, who joined Denise’s two boys, Matt Thomas and Chris Ripley, in their family. Together Ken and his wife ran an adult foster care home in Rockford, K and J Home Care, located at 10860 Northland Drive.

In addition to being with his loved ones, Ken enjoyed so many other things that enriched his life. When he was younger he looked forward to trips to Cedar Point, and later in life it was the breathtaking views of Big Star Lake and Tennessee that Ken enjoyed. His canine companion, Rosco P. Trouble, was like an additional member of his family, and he also treasured his collection of Red Wings memorabilia. Ken was an avid outdoorsman who loved things like squirrel hunting, camping, and taking long walks. He even loved reading magazines about outdoor sports like hunting and fishing magazines. Ken was a great cook who could prepare just about anything, and he enjoyed a diverse collections of favorite foods like Brussell sprouts, meat on the grill, and beets and sour cream, although he really would eat nearly everything. Ken continued to pursue his artistic talents as he liked drawing and painting during his adult years, too. When it came to music he liked old rock ‘n roll in addition to country music.

With unending love and generosity for those around him, Kenneth Kowalski made a significant impact in the lives of those who were blessed to know and love him. He made it seem effortless to think of others first, and he was happiest when his loved ones were near. Ken fully embraced the days he was given, taking not even one day for granted. He leaves behind timeless lessons in strength, humility, and kindness that will never be forgotten.

KOWALSKI – When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, that Jesus came and called my name and took me by the hand, and said my place was reasdy in Heaven far above and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. So when tomorrow starts without me don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart. Kenneth L. Kowalski, age 52, passed away on Monday July 1, 2013. He was preceded in death by his father, Lanny in 2008. Ken is survived by his longtime girlfriend, Denise Ripley; children, Kyle (Tasha) Kowalski, Steven Kowalski, Matthew (Danielle) Thomas, and Christopher Ripley; grandchildren, Jett, Mary, Kiera, and Deanna; mother, Bertha Kowalski; grandfather, Stephan Kowalski; brother, Keith Kowalski; sister, Kandy (John Douglas) Barry; niece, April Barry; and nephews, Wesley and Timmy Barry. Ken was a Rockford High graduate and was longtime manager of K & J Homecare of Rockford. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 PM on Sunday July 7, 2013 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 851 Leonard St. NW with visitation for one hour prior. Contributions in his memory may be made to Salvation Army. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read Ken's life story; archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook.