Joseph Kowal Jr.

Joseph L. Kowal, age 66 of Evansville, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2013, following an almost 2-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Joe was born December 29, 1946 in Gary, Indiana, the son of the late Joseph L. and Anna L. (Krezwina) Kowal. He was a graduate of Peshtigo High School. Joe was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and had served his country in the Vietnam War.

Joe is survived by his wife of 35 years, Phyllis J. "PJ" Barnes, his sister Sandra (Sandy) Kowal, and his brother Gary Kowal. Joe retired in 2010 after working 30 years for Dairy Equipment Company, Madison, in the manufacturing engineering field. In his early years, Joe worked in the ship-building industry as a draftsman for the Marinette (Wisconsin) Marine Company.

Joe enjoyed tinkering, building, and repairing just about anything. He had a passion for history and nature. Just recently, he turned his talents to making jewelry.

Joe had such a love of learning and had hoped to donate his body to the UW-Madison Body Donor Program which wasn't possible upon his death. However, during his chemotherapy he was able to participate in a new chemo drug treatment, contributing further information to help fight this disease.

His family would like to thank the dedicated and caring staffs of St. Mary's Hospital, Madison; Dean Hematology & Oncology Clinic, Madison, and Agrace Hospice Care, Madison, and Janesville.