Bertha Kowalski

Bertha Theresa Kowalski, age 93, of Rudyard, Michigan passed away early Monday morning, April 16, 2018, at War Memorial Hospital. Bertha was born in East Chicago, Indiana on May 31, 1924. In February 1925, her family moved to Decatur, MI where she grew up on the farm. They grew celery and onions and milked dairy cows. On October 9, 1943, she married Joseph Kowalski, Jr. and together they ran a dairy farm in Paw Paw, MI. She milked cows, bottle fed many calves, and was often found out doing field work. In 1964 they moved to Schoolcraft, MI and later they retired and moved to Rudyard, MI (1991). She worked hard her entire life. Bertha loved to read, play cards and dice, do all types of crafts, sewing, gardening, painting, and cooking. She had a passion for bear hunting, collecting rocks, and picking mushrooms. Her life was very full but she always put her faith and family first. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rudyard. Bertha has touched many lives and her grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and friends were a great source of enjoyment for her. Bertha is survived by two sons: Joseph (Betty) Kowalski III of Shelbyville, MI, and Michael (Joan) Kowalski of Rudyard, MI; 10 grandchildren: Anne Wokeck, Jessica (Dan) Jackson, Sarah (Ray) Garza, Alex (Sara) Kowalski, Jennifer (Tracy) Bradley, Christy Kowalski, Allen (Nikki) Kowalski, Lisa Grover, Stephanie (Buzzy) Winter, and Matthew (Stephanie) Kowalski; 26 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother: Kazmer (Vera) Gratkowski; a sister: Frances Klees; and five sisters-in-law: Mary Gratkowski, Theresa Day, Cecelia Bain, Joanne Kowalski, and Sylvia Kowalski. Bertha was preceded in death by her parents: Joseph and Anna (Huszek) Gratkowski; her husband: Joseph Kowalski, Jr. (Jan. 8, 1999); a grandson: David Kowalski; a brother: Frank Gratkowski; and two sisters: Kate Polomczak and Stella Southworth. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rudyard with Fr. Edward B. Baafi and Fr. Jack Fabian as co-celebrants. Friends may call at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of the Mass. Burial will be at North Rudyard Cemetery later this spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

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Bertha Kowalski

May 31, 1924 - April 16, 2018