Violet Kowalski-Hastreiter

Violet "Vye" Kowalski-Hastreiter 89, formerly of Wausau, died Monday August 13, 2007 in Stevens Point. She was born March 9, 1918 in Bevent, daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Pashilk) Egeler. On September 18, 1936, she married Steven Kowalski. He preceded her in death. She married Donald Hastreiter on January 23, 1986 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. He preceded her in death June 12, 1987. Violet had been employed with GTE as a dispatcher. In the late 50's she participated in the Dale Carnegie Course and later was honored as the top saleswoman for the Permanent Stainless Steel Company, accomplishments she was very proud of. Among her favorite things to do were sewing, cooking, gardening and playing cards, especially sheepshead. Spending time with her family and grandchildren was special to Vye. She enjoyed traveling, was very proud of her Polish Heritage and in her younger years, enjoyed dancing. Survivors include five sons, Ronald "Rollie" (Faye) Kowalski, Mosinee, Kenneth "Ken" (Lyn) Kowalski, Wausau, Bernard "Ben" (Melie) Kowalski, Frederick "Fred" (Colleen" Kowalski, all of Chicago, Theodore "Ted" (Caren) Kowalski, Plover, three daughters, MarySue (Tom) Rucki, formerly of Plover, Bokelia, Fla., Virginia "Laura" Kowalski, Campbellsport, Viv (Duane) Chan-Groupell, Oshkosh, 32 grandchildren 25 great grandchildren, two sisters, Margaret Olbrantz, Navato, Calif. and Esther Hildebrandt, Alabama. Besides her parents and husbands, Vye was preceded in death by two brothers, Randy and Steve Pashilk and two sisters, Lucille and Grace Egeler. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday August 17, 2007 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Daniel Hackel will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Thursday from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening followed by personal remembrances from the family at the Sixth Street funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com