Jerome "Jerry" Kowalski

Jerome A. "Jerry" "Tiny" "TLJK" Kowalski , 76, of Stevens Point, died Friday morning, Oct. 21, 2016, at Ministry St. Michael's Hospital.

He was born April 6, 1940, in Stevens Point, to the late Frank and Delphine (Pliska) Kowalski in Bukolt Park, and attended St. Peter's Grade School and was a 1959 graduate of PJ Jacobs High School.

Jerry entered the Army National Guard on Oct. 15, 1961, in Stevens Point, and was called to active duty on Aug. 10, 1962, where he served with the 120th Artillery Battalion with the 32nd Infantry. His honorable discharge took place on Aug. 7, 1963, at Ft. Lewis, Washington.

His marriage to Beverly Meronek took place on April 15, 1961, at St. Peter's Catholic Church. The couple then settled in Stevens Point. His wife Beverly survives.

Jerry worked at Copps Distributing for many years, retiring in 2006. He enjoyed polka music, playing in polka bands most of his life – with the Ray Shuda Band, Jolly Harmony Kings and the Golden Aces. He regularly played TAPS at funerals for the American Legion Post 6, PLAV Post 185, 40et8, and the Stevens Point Moose Lodge and was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution for 2012-2013.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly; son, Jeremy (Sandi) Kowalski of Stevens Point; daughter, Jennifer Pawelski (husband, Allan deceased Sep. 5, 2016) of Waupaca; grandchildren, Ariane, Kyla, Kenneth, Kyle and Scott; brother, Robert (Mary Ann) Kowalski of Stevens Point; sister, Laverne (Willie) Trzebiatowski of Amherst; and sister-in-law, Kathy Kowalski of Stevens Point.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth; and three brothers, Arthur, Eldred and Frank.

The family thanks the staff at both Atrium Post Acute Care and Ministry St. Michael's Hospital for their great care.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, at Pisarski Funeral Home, 703 Second Street in Stevens Point, with Deacon Vern Linzmeier officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in the St. Casimir Cemetery – town of Hull. Family and friends may call from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and again from 9:30 a.m. Wednesday until the time of services. American Legion Post 6 will perform a ritual at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be assisting the family, for online condolences, please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com.