Obituaries

Edward Frank Kowalski passed away on July 4, 2025. As a proud Army veteran and American, July Fourth was Ed’s favorite holiday. Friends and family will remember the huge Fourth of July parties at the Kowalski’s home on the Kankakee River in Wilmington, IL. It is fitting that we will fondly remember and celebrate Ed’s life every year on his favorite holiday.

Ed was born in Joliet, IL, on January 14, 1946 to Thomas and Frances Kowalski. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved siblings, Tom Kowalski and Dolores Keers. Following high school, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country proudly as a mechanic during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home to Joliet, he pursued his college education and went on to establish Ed’s Auto Supply—a business he faithfully operated for 40 years.

Ed’s proudest achievement was his family. He met his wife, Sally, in 1969 and they were married two years later. They were the best of friends for 56 years. Sally and Ed had three children: Charlie, Ben, and Karen. Ed was a craftsman and loved doing things that brought joy to his family. His creations ranged from building spaceship beds, dollhouses, numerous clubhouses and forts, custom t-shirts, chess sets, and even an RV-8 airplane. Ed had a deep love of learning, which he instilled in his family through shared hobbies like water skiing, scuba diving, flying, and traveling. Ed loved the life he and Sally built together.

Ed was incredibly proud of his three children. He signed every text message with “We love you guys!” and every letter and package sent to his children or grandchildren was adorned with festive clip art and pictures of the recipient. He worked hard his whole life and imparted his wisdom to his children and grandchildren as they worked alongside him on numerous home projects. He collected his spare change in a jar and allowed his grandchildren to pull a fistful of coins out every time they visited (and he required them to count their loot before sending them home). He had high expectations and relished celebrating big and little accomplishments. He could fix anything and had a tool for every purpose.

Ed is survived by his wife, Sally, his three children and their families: Charlie, Kim, Brayden, Bryce, and Barrett Kowalski; Ben, Alise, Sam, and Ollie Kowalski; and Karen, Michael, Parker, and Paige Isaacs. Over his 79 years, Ed made a lasting impact on the lives of many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in a private ceremony. The Kowalski family invites those who wish to honor Ed’s legacy to make a donation to the American Heart Association (heart.org) in memory of him.

Ed was incredibly hardworking, loyal, helpful, funny, and devoted to his family and country. Though he leaves behind many who will miss him tremendously, he lived a full life that he loved dearly.