Joseph Lacy Kowalski was born to Joseph Stanley Kowalski and Victoria Kowalski September 26, 1949. They welcomed his brother Michael John on December 3rd of 1953. They enjoyed many adventures together; Roundup Mt was a good place to grow up in. Some favorite times were staying with their grandparents in Musselshell out in the hills. There they would build forts, help in the garden, and keep an eye on the cows. Grampa Lacy and their gramma Angela loved them so much, Joe had many fond memories of that time .Joe grew up also camping at Yellowstone National Park and Slough Creek was a favorite, beautiful spot he and his brother enjoyed many times.
His Grandparents learned the truth from the scriptures over the radio and were happy to become baptized Jehovah’s Witnesses in the 30s. Their only child, Victoria also became a witness, as did Joe and Mike when they could make an informed decision. Their father Jose was always favorable toward their desire to serve Jehovah. It brought them many blessings that are still being enjoyed today by Joe and Mike and their wives and families.
From an early age Joe had a curiosity about how things came apart and went back together. He took the washing machine apart when he was very young, and despite his mom’s friends being quite concerned, his mother was not as it went back together again nicely. His interest in electronics and repair led to his first job in at a television shop, fixing tvs as well as radios. He pursued this path further and went to college where he studied electrical engineering for 6 years. He took a job after his schooling, as an electrical design engineer with Motorola Co.. While working there for 25 years he had 3 design patents issued. He then worked for a few other companies but spent the last 20 years with Welch/Ingersol Rand.
After just one year in Illinois he met Betty Lou Craig while visiting a Kingdom Hall. It was pretty much love at first sight for both of them! They married in November 16, 1975 and have been best friends in love and faith and family for 48 years. They have 2 sons together; Curtis James Kowalski, September 28, 1980 and Andrew Joseph Kowalski, born May 16 of 1983.They loved camping with them, skiing, hiking, trips out west and so much more, including lots of talk and work on different cars and trucks! Joe loved to do anything with his sons and Betty and Joe loved just being together, whatever they did.
The focus always of Joe’s life was his faith in his creator, Jehovah. This faith kept him and Betty strong during the last 2 plus years of fighting his illness. Joe did not complain about what he was going through. Rather he cared about Betty and wanted to keep close to the brothers and sisters from the Barrington congregation and anyone else he could help. He stayed active as an Elder for over 40 years and always focused on our ministry to help others know about Jehovah. He trusted in our sure hope of paradise and the promise of a resurrection for those sleeping in death, including himself. Theres no adequate words to describe our love for our husband and father and how he will be missed every day. However what joy we will have to welcome him back to the time when “death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away…Look, I am making all things new” Revelation 21:4, 5. May Jehovah give us strength and power to wait patiently until that wonderful day to see Joe and all our loved ones again.
Joseph was survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Betty Kowalski, his sons, Curtis Kowalski and Andrew Kowalski, his brother, Michael (Jeannie) Kowalski, and his nieces, Angela and Andrea.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. all at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
For further information, please contact the DeFiore Funeral Home, 847-515-8772
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Dear brother you will missed extremely! You are inspiration and very much looking forward to seeing you in the new world’
That was beautiful and I'm sure difficult to try to sum up such a beautiful life and a beautiful love story. I will never forget seeing you Betty climb on to the back of Joe's motorcycle and seeing both of your faces, I thought to myself then "I think this is going to be a long ride" I look forward to seeing that happen again in the future paradise. ❤️❤️❤️
Just beautiful what you wrote about Joe, Betty. What a loving husband and father and son and brother he was. Can't wait to see him again looking like the picture that you posted. We are here for you and Curtis and Andrew. Love you all. ❤️
Sorry to hear about Joe I had a good working with on LDC and RBC projects.
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. What a beautiful obituary that testifies to the wonderful person he was. He is in the safest place, being in Jehovahs loving memory. Jehovah remembers the love and faithfulness that Joe displayed through the years, and the wonderful reputation he gained through his lifetime. May Jehovah give you the comfort that you and your family need during this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
We are so glad to have time with you both when we were all a part of Cary Congregation. See you Joe in Paradise
What a beautiful obituary. Such a great loss
Beautiful words to describe your union. Wonderful example of a husband and father. So happy to have known him. Soon dear Betty to welcoming arms.
Joe and Betty both were a fine example of a Christian couple and an encouragement to countless other marriages. Joe, will never be forgotten as our friend and fellow believer. He served tirelessly in Jehovahs service for decades as an elder in the congregation and in shepherding God's flock. He remained very active in the congregation and the ministry out of love for his fellow believers and fellow man. Joe will be missed but never forgotten.
Sad to lose such a loving husband and father. We have fond memories of our families skiing together in Colorado. We look forward to making new memories together in paradise. Luke 20:38
What a beautiful obituary. Joe was such a trooper, right to the end. Such a faithful witness, loving husband and father. I know you all miss him tremendously, but we will see him again in paradise. ♥️♥️
Betty I’m so sorry for your loss. It be hard yet soon he will be back and u can be a very happy family again. Sending my love & from Gina as well.
One time when I was a very little girl I was running in the Kingdom Hall (chasing Andrew and Dustin, no doubt) and I tripped and hit my head on a chair leg. The boys brought me crying and wailing to Joe and he took such good care of me. I’ve loved him ever since. All of my heart to you Betty and the family. We will miss Joe.
Beautiful written obituary Betty. He is such a great example of never giving up and using his life to the fullest in serving Jehovah and loving his family and friends. We are deeply saddened but we wait patiently for the day when we can welcome him back.
What a beautiful life story! We hope you find some comfort in knowing that for a loyal servant of God, like Joe, death is only a brief interruption in an otherwise endless like of joyfully serving Jehovah. Soon we will see the fulfillment of the promise at Daniel 12:2. “…those asleep in the dust of the earth will wake up…to everlasting life…” Our heartfelt prayers continue in your behalf, as we eagerly await the time when our tears of sorrow will be changed to tears of joy. Meanwhile, may Jehovah gradually heal your broken heart. (Psalm 147:3) We love you!
A fine husband, father, brother in law and so much more. His kindness, faithfulness, and loyalty to his family, friends, and most of all to Jehovah will be rewarded. He has left an example and memory that will not be forgotten.
Dear Betty, Curtis and Andrew, We are very sorry for your loss. We have many good memories together. Joe was faithful to the end. We know Jehovah will sustain all of you during this sad time now and into the future. When Joe wakes up in paradise, he will be so happy to see all of his family and friends welcoming him back in good health and happiness.
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Be assured of our love and prayers for you during this difficult time. Jehovah will certainly grant Joe a wonderful reward for his life of faithfulness. Ps 3:5.
Dear Betty, Curtis and Andrew..our hearts are so broken with the loss of such a wonderful husband and father. Please know are prayers are constantly with you. We will hang on to our wonderful memories we shared together with Joe and Cindy. Joe will soon be back with us all in a perfect world..
We always admired Joe for his faithfulness and loyalty to Jehovah and all the flock. We’ll miss his smile even when in he suffered such severe pain Always enjoyed his friendship and the memories we’ll hold dear. As was his desire we’ll also stick close to you, Betty, and support you ❤️❤️❤️
We always admired Joe for his faithfulness and loyalty to Jehovah and all the flock. We’ll miss his smile even when in he suffered such severe pain Always enjoyed his friendship and the memories we’ll hold dear. As was his desire we’ll also stick close to you, Betty, and support you ❤️❤️❤️