Robert J. Kowalski, 96

Robert J Kowalski, 96, a.k.a “Amoco Bob” and “3 Fish,” has been called to meet his heavenly Father on November 17.

He was born to Frank and Delphine (née Pliska) Kowalski. After he graduated from P.J. Jacobs early at 17, he and three buddies decided to beat the draft and went to Milwaukee to enlist in the service to battle WWII.

Robert joined the Coast Guards and assigned to the ship “Samuel Chase APA 26” as a gun loader on a 40mm in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged on May 25, 1946. He continued by serving in the Coast Guard reserves for eight years. When he returned back to Stevens Point, he worked in construction, Stevens Point Darry & Home Furnishings. Then he took a career with Soo Line Railroad as an engineer for 30 years.

In 1964, he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Mansavage at Wanta’s bowling alley. They married and had three children, Mark, Kim and Chad.

Robert enjoyed fishing, camping, flower gardens, area hockey teams, UW Badgers and baseball with the American Legion Post 6. You could always find him cooking burgers and hot dogs or selling the 50/50 tickets during the games. He was awarded the “golden spatula” for his fine cooking skills at the game.

Robert was very excited to have been on the Honor Flight in May 2011. He was honored by the American Legion Post 6 to have a legacy stone in honor of his WWII service, which was laid at the High ground Veterans Memorial Park.

Post his retirement years, he was employed with Southside Amoco/BP and a driver for Spectra Print.

What he cherished most was family time. They would take trips to Florida and out west, concerts, Summerfest, state fair (every year for 40 years) and even squeezed in the World’s Fair in Knoxville, Tenn.

Survivors include his loving wife, Mary Ann of 55 years, their children, Mark (Lisa Perreault), Kim (Robert Bergin) and Chad (Tammy) all residing in Stevens Point. He has two wonderful granddaughters, Shayna and Kaytlyn. Our family friend, Karla Konkol. Also, a grandpup and protector, Rylee.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings and many beloved family and friends.

The family would like to extend their gratitude with special thank you to the staff at Compassus Hospice for their outstanding care they gave Robert. You are angels.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert will held at 11 a.m. on Saturday November 25, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1709 Wyatt Ave., Stevens Point. Rev. Todd Mlsna will officiate. Visitation on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at the church. Full military honors will follow the funeral mass at Guardian Angel Cemetery.

Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family. For a complete obituary and to offer online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established at a later date. The attendees are welcome to dress as you like, too.

Thank you for all the wonderful care and support, especially to the Pisarski Funeral Home.