Donald R. Kowalski, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on May 5, 2026, at the age of 96. Born in Chicago, Illinois, to Vincent and Marie Kowalski, Don lived a life full of purpose, faith, laughter, and love.

Don attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, where he found not only his education but the great love of his life, Rosemary Marshall. The two were married and shared 54 beautiful years together. A proud member of the Knox College ROTC, Don answered his country’s call and served valiantly in the Korean War as a First Lieutenant in the infantry.

After the war, Don and Rosemary made their home in the San Francisco Bay Area, where they put down roots that would last a lifetime. Don became a pillar of his community — serving as Cubmaster for Pack 230 in Pleasant Hill, and dedicating many years to St. Stephen’s Church in Walnut Creek as both a Lector and financial advisor. His faith and his commitment to those around him were constants throughout his life.

Don was also a man of great passion — particularly for golf. For over 50 years, he pursued the game with joy and determination, in what he might have cheerfully admitted was a lifelong, futile quest to break 100. Those who knew him knew that the score mattered far less than the time spent on the course.

Don is survived by five of his six cherished children — Roberta, Dean, Janet, Lorie, and Donna — and is lovingly reunited in memory with his son Steven, who passed in 2023. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and his devoted partner of 20 years, Joan Podkin, along with her children Susan and Doug, Susan’s husband Mark, and Doug’s wife Catherine, all of whom were welcomed warmly into Don’s heart as his own.

Don was loved dearly by all of Joan’s grandchildren as well.

This summer, Don’s ashes will be scattered at Roche Harbor, Washington — one of his most treasured places on earth — a send-off as peaceful and beautiful as the man himself.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to your favorite charity, in the spirit of the generosity Don modeled throughout his life. May God bless you and the ones you love.