Ellen M. Kowalewski

Ellen M. Kowalewski, 75, of Kearney, died Friday, Aug. 14, 2009, at her home. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City. The Revs. Richard L. Piontkowski and Marty L. Egging will officiate. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. Visitation will be Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church, with a 7 p.m. vigil service. Peters Funeral Home of Loup City is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Kowalewski was born on Dec. 2, 1933, at Rockville, the daughter of John and Agnes (Szafrajda) Piontkowski. She is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law, Dennis and Lisa Kowalewski of Eden, UT, James and Joyce Kowalewski of West Richland, WA, Ron and Linda Kowalewski of Madison and Gary and Karen Kowalewski of Gothenburg; one daughter and son-in-law, Cami and Terry Watson of Lincoln; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronald and Winona Piontkowski and Johnny and Phyllis Piontkowski, all of Loup City; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Lois and Reggie Welles of Omaha and Marilyn Czaplewski of Lincoln. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Ellen grew up on a farm north of Rockville and graduated from Loup City High School in 1950. She was united in marriage to Emil Kowalewski on June 27, 1950, at Rockville. The couple farmed northeast of Loup City and she also worked at G & G Manufacturing, the Snack Shop Bakery and Rose Lane Home, all in Loup City. In 1977, she moved to Kearney where she attended Central Technical College, graduating with a degree in nursing. She then worked at Mount Carmel Home, St. John’s Nursing Home and Good Samaritan Hospital. She retired in 2006 due to health issues. She was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Ellen enjoyed extensive travel, including a mission trip to Peru, reading, crocheting, gardening, collecting antiques and birdhouses and playing poker. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Rich Piontkowski; two nephews, Mark and Earl Piontkowski; and a special friend, Earl Commins. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice.