Ronald J. Kozlowski

Ronald J. Kozlowski died peacefully at home on Monday, November, 28, 2016. Ronald, age 83, was the eldest son of Aloysius and Francis, and grew up in the Milwaukee, WI area with his brothers, James and Michael. He was a graduate of Marquette University (class of 1955). On June 18, 1960, he married Barbara A. Stanioch, his wife of 56 years. After living in Santa Barbara, California, West Allis, WI, McRae, GA, and Cicero, IL, they settled in Bolingbrook, IL, where they raised their 6 children. Ron and Barb have been active members of St. Dominic church in Bolingbrook for 47 years. Ronald was an accountant by profession, employed by Sunbeam, Joanna Western Mills, and Loyola University, from where he retired in 1993. He leaves behind a wife (Barbara Kozlowski) and 6 children: Mari Kmieciak (Gary), Linda Bevolo (Greg), Anne Murray, Daniel Kozlowski (Stacie), Elizabeth Rice (John), and Steven Kozlowski (Kristin). Mourning their loss are his grandchildren: Lauren Beaird (Brian), Nicole Kmieciak, Keeley Kmieciak, Lia Kmieciak, Brent Bevolo, Torrie Masters (Nick), Peter Murray (Samantha), Nick Murray, Ryan Murray, Emma Warren (Max), Mitch Murray, Maribeth Murray, Melaura Rice, Eric Rice, Aaron Rice, Ella Kozlowski, Jack Kozlowski, Helen Kozlowski, Warren Kozlowski and Edison Kozlowski, and his great grandchild: Amelia Murray. His two brothers, Jim Kozlowski (Pattie) and Michael Kozlowski (Carol), sister-in-law Kathy Geffers (Pete), nieces and nephews: Jimmy, Kris, Karin, Michelle, Kathy, Jeff, Scott, Mike, Jill, Jennifer, Susan and Sarah along with their spouses and children also mourn his passing. Ron was an inspiration, who truly lived his faith in the Lord and Catholic Church. He practiced patience and encouraged it in others, took seriously his role of “wiseman” and imparted his wisdom whenever the need arose, and encouraged others to live the good life, which he did by example. He moved at his own leisurely pace (which was not to be accelerated!) and loved conversing, socializing, and chewing the fat. An avid joke teller, joke repeater, and artisan at playing with words in an effort to get the laugh, his wit was with him until the very end. If he could have his way, he would be found fishing (whether or not the fish were biting), golfing (so long as he didn’t need to hit the ball . . . drag Ken . . . ), or studying menus (taking particular care in placing an order for a good meal) every day of the week. He will be remembered for how dapper he dressed (and appreciated when others did the same), how generous he was, and how unbelievably gifted he was at making others feel loved and special, especially his wife, children, and grandchildren, who were infallible in his eyes. Most notably, those who love him will miss the way he frequently (sincerely, wholeheartedly, with relish and enjoyment, heartfelt and with sincere belief) sang to himself: “What a Wonderful World.” In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Dominic Church appreciated.

Ronald J. Kozlowski

November 28, 2016