Patrick A. Kowalski, 54, of Kearney, died on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at home in Kearney. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney. Father Joe Hannappel will preside and burial will be at Kearney Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, April 9, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a Christian wake service at 6:00 p.m., all at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial to St. James Catholic Church or to the family to establish an educational fund for Patrick’s children. Online condolences may be submitted at www.hlmkfuneral.com. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney is in charge of arrangements.
Patrick was born on October 7, 1963 in Loup City, NE to Richard J. and Lillian M. (Gancos) Kowalski. He attended Kearney Catholic High School and graduated with the class of 1981. During his youth, Patrick was known around Kearney for his love of loud and fast cars. Patrick saved his money and purchased his first car, a Dunebuggy, and later, a Cutlass 442. Many more cars and pick ups followed. He attended Kearney State College (now University of Nebraska- Kearney) and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Patrick was employed as the warehouse manager at Chesterman Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper in Kearney at the time of his death. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney and also the Knights of Columbus St. James Council #1728. Patrick was an avid exerciser and enjoyed golfing in several leagues throughout the years. He also enjoyed engaging in his children’s various activities.
Patrick met the love of his life, Autumn (Warner) Kowalski, as she attended University of Nebraska-Kearney and worked part-time at Bob’s Superstore. They were married August 10, 1996 in Kearney where they resided and built their life for 21 years. They have two beloved children, Faith, 19 years old, and Patrick Grant, 17 years old.
Patrick spent over 25 years working at Bob’s Super Store. He loved serving others and was respected and known by many in Kearney and the surrounding communities. Patrick was diligent and loyal at his work.
He carried that same loyalty and work ethic with him to his next workplace, Chesterman Coca- Cola/Dr. Pepper. Indicative of his desire to serve others, Patrick routinely arrived to work in the predawn hours to unload trucks for drivers eager to get home to their families. That kindness epitomized Patrick, a true disciple of the Lord.
Patrick’s family was his joy. His siblings, parents, and many nieces and nephews meant the world to him. But his greatest blessing was his wife and children. He took pride in taking care of their needs. He adored his children and beamed with pride as he watched them grow.
Always humble, Patrick was purposeful and composed. For all who knew him, it was the highest honor to be part of his life. As a devout Catholic, Patrick was always Christ-like in his actions—
kindness and gentleness defined his temperament. These characteristics are apparent in his children.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Autumn Kowalski of Kearney; children Faith Kowalski and Patrick Grant Kowalski, both of Kearney; mother Lillian Kowalski of Kearney; siblings Terry (Judy) Kowalski of Kearney, Tami (Denis) Reese of Loomis, NE, Randy Kowalski of Kearney, Rick (Lynelle) Kowalski of Bellevue, NE, and Dan (Dawn Parris) Kowalski of Lincoln, NE; parents-in-law Randall and Paula Warner of Ord, NE; brother and sister-in-law Russ Warner of Ord, NE and Anne Elizabeth (Dave) Terry of St. Louis, MO; nieces and nephews Tyler (Paula) Kowalski of Kearney, Derek (Emily) Kowalski of Evans, CO, Brock Kowalski of Kearney, Aaron Reese of Omaha, NE, Lindsay (Brandon) Shafto of Amherst, NE, Grady (Olivia) Kowalski, Alec Kowalski, Janae Kowalski, all of Kearney, Haelee Kowalski, Jadyn Kowalski, Andrew Kowalski, all of Bellevue, NE, Rieley Kowalski, Kellen Kowalski, both of Lincoln, NE, and Spencer Terry of St. Louis, MO; several other aunts, uncles, and other extended family and numerous friends.
Patrick was preceded in death by his father, Richard, in 2008 and sister Mary Jean in infancy.
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