John Paul Kowalski

John P. Kowalski, 58, Rib Mountain, WI, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at Marshfield Medical Center – Weston Hospital, of complications after a heart surgery due to his decade long struggle with multiple blood diseases.

Born April 1, 1964 in Appleton, WI John was the son of Daniel and Geraldine (Chojnacki) Kowalski.  On September 12, 2009, he married Nancy Martyn at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marathon, WI. John lived for his sons Justin and Jordan, he took such joy in teaching them and watching them become quality men. His eyes would light up when he could share their accomplishments with others.

Throughout his life, John worked in information technology for American Family Insurance, Wausau Insurance, Wausau Benefits, FiServ, and spent the past 15 years with Sentry Insurance as a data engineer. John loved to coach basketball and organized tournaments in the Milwaukee, Madison, and Wausau areas. Most recently, he served as a coach, board member, and president with several Wausau area youth soccer clubs. John played volleyball and was known for being a good setter and sneaky dinker.

John learned to play the saxophone at a young age with the encouragement of his loving parents, and was recognized for his musical ability. He was an active member of the Mosinee Community Band, and CenterStage Band and Show Choir. Likewise, John served as the president of the Wausau West High School Band Boosters for several years.

John was an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and camping. In John’s household, hunting and fishing season were considered holidays along with his 4th of July fireworks shows. He took great pride in teaching his sons respect and appreciation of the outdoors. Nine-Mile County Forest provided many hunting stories and some mighty tasty venison. He loved the calming effect of the waves on the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage while enjoying a beverage, waiting for the big one.

Survivors include his wife Nancy, two children, Justin Kowalski, Carbondale, IL; Jordan Kowalski, Miami, FL; mother Geraldine Kowalski, Wausau, WI; sister Kathy (Bill) Whalen, Crivitz, WI; brother Dale (Judy) Kowalski, Wonder Lake, IL; mother-in-law Sandra Martyn, Athens, WI, brother-in-law Mark (Cathy) Martyn, Athens, WI; sister-in-law Mary Martyn, Colby, WI and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his father Daniel Kowalski (2014), and father-in-law Edward Martyn (2012).

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon.  Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside.  Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon.  Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, WI and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.  The family requests that face masks be worn during the visitation and funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, John had many organizations that he supported. Memorial donations will be determined by the family and put to good use in John’s name.

The music being heard was recorded by John and his sons, Justin and Jordan along with Alex Hurlbert.

pressed at www.petersonkraemer.c