Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, is handling the arrangements for Joan A. Kowalczyk, 86, of LaPorte, Indiana, who passed away with her loving family by her side on Saturday, July 28, 2018.
She was born May 16, 1932, in LaPorte to James and Rose (Dudak) Jasinowski.
Joan had been employed with Berkel U.S. Slicing Company in LaPorte, then later as the catalogue supervisor with the LaPorte J.C. Penney for many years. She was an avid reader and gardener and enjoyed working out with the exercise group at St. John’s. Joan was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she was Director of Religious Education for many years, and was a member of PRCU Club.
On Jan. 29, 1955, Joan married Richard T. Kowalczyk, who survives with their children, Alicia (James) Barnhart of LaPorte, Thomas (Paul Stearns) Kowalczyk of Oakland, California, David (Barbara McConnell) Kowalczyk of Crown Point, Indiana, and Marti (Mark) Coffey of Shelbyville, Indiana; and grandchildren, Nikolas (Amber and Michael) Barnhart and Lauren Barnhart, and Craig and Emily Coffey; and several nieces and nephews including Sister Carmen Gillick and family friend, Bozena Raic.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Margaret Jasinowski; brothers, John Kozlowski and Stanley and Ted Jasinowski; and sisters, Ann Swift, Adeline Serafin, Helen Bernacchi, Kay Gillick and Harriet Swanson.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, August 3, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, LaPorte, where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 4, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Reverend Ian Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte. Cremation has taken place.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Food Pantry at Sacred Heart Parish, 130 Bach St., LaPorte, IN 46350.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.