Kowalke, Ward William 1935-2023

KOWALKE, GRAUER, TILLMAN

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, posting for family (email)
Date: 7/27/2023 at 18:41:51

Ward Kowalke, 87

Nov. 17, 1935 -
July 20, 2023

Ward William Kowalke, Cresco, was called to heaven on July 20, 2023. He was born the son of Lorenz and Irma (Grauer) at Sioux City, Iowa on November 17, 1935. He graduated in 1954 from Leeds High School and in 1958 from Morningside College, Sioux City. Ward married Evelyn Tillman on September 1, 1957. They raised three children, Rebecca, Todd and David.

Ward had a long career in retail with the JCPenney Co. transferring to various locations until his retirement in 2012. He had a passion for viewing and participating in musicals, genealogy research, travel, and the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. He was active in many local offices and boards of various civic organizations and churches. He loved to share his faith by facilitating Bible classes for youth and adults. Time spent with his children and grandchildren were always treasured by him. A life accomplishment he was very proud of was 36 years of sobriety.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Kowalke; daughter, Rebecca (John) Durham; sons, Todd and David ( Angie). Grandchildren Danielle (Bryant) Skarda; Brooke Durham (Zachary Quinn); Caitlin Kowalke; Courtney Kowalke; Ashley Windish (Patrick); Shelby Lambert (Jeremy Zieman); David and Cory Kowalke. Great grandchildren, Royce Hoffman; Jack Quinn; Meadow Windish. Sisters-in-law, Pam (Fred) Uhl; Carol Tillman and many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Don Popovich, brothers-in-law Carl and Richard Tillman, sister-in-law, Norma Erlemeier, granddaughter Paige Durham, and daughter-in-law, Ann (Grabau) Kowalke.

A Celebration of life service will be held on Monday, July 31 at First Lutheran Church in Cresco, with visitation at 3:00 with funeral at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the donor’s charity of choice in Ward’s memory.