Ronald Lewis Kowalewsky
Ronald Lewis Kowalewsky, age 69, passed away January 31, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Ron was born October 1, 1948 to his loving parents, Lewis Max Kowalewsky and Lucille Clara (Gokel) Kowalewsky in Alpena.
Ron is survived by his wife of almost 38 years, Debra Mae (Brown) Kowalewsky; his three children, Robert Lewis Kowalewsky, Allen Eugene Gallagher and Travis Wade Kowalewsky; five grandchildren, Colton Lewis Kowalewsky, Hunter Fordham Kowalewsky, Alden Wade Kowalewsky, Gracie Mae Gallagher and Lexie Paige Gallagher; two sisters and a brother, Larry Wayne Kowalewsky who later passed away in August of 2018. He is also an uncle to Bryan (Brittany) Brown, Kevin Brown, Karen (Justin) Billingsley, Raquel (Jeremy) Conroy, great-nieces and-nephews, Ryan Austin, Savannah Brown, and Emma, Logan, Zoe and Krishtian Billingsley and the newest member of the family Norah Conroy. Ron is also survived by two aunts, Marion (Kowalewsky) Brege and Lois Kowalewsky; and many cousins.
Ron was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lewis and Lucille Kowalewsky; and a few months after his death his brother, Larry Kowalewsky.
He was a man that loved working and from his high school days of bagging groceries, to working construction as a laborer, bouncing at the bar (which included bouncing for Elvis Presley), volunteering at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department for the horseback search and rescue posse, private investigator, mechanic and welder. The job he loved the most was owning his own backhoe business for over 30 years as an equipment operator. No job was too big for him and he was called upon to handle the most difficult jobs because he was just that good on the equipment and was up for any challenge.
His life was always filled with adventure and some of his greatest interests were hunting, fishing, camping, cowboy polo, martial arts, dancing, competition shooting and the list just goes on and on.
Outside of Ron’s hobbies and work, he was just the most loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, son-in-law, and best friend that anyone could ask for. Complete strangers in no time became long-trusted friends with Ron that usually ended up being another hunting buddy. Ron was incredibly passionate about everyone in his life, but his grandchildren would just light up his life a
Ron lived a very adventurous life and was always ready for the next opportunity to witness something incredible. He always had many stories to share it seemed and adventure followed him everywhere he went.
As a family member and our friend, we all have a huge hole in our hearts to this day and love him so much. Ron is no longer in pain, or in the confines of his wheelchair. . .he is dancing the two-step into eternity.
Graveside services were held Monday, June 24, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Metz with the Rev. Jeff Ryan officiating. Online condolences can be registered at www mcwilliamsfh.com.