Marjorie L. (Menser) Kowaleski, 99, passed away at her home on Monday, October 24, 2022.
She was born January 28, 1923, in Plymouth, Ind., to Jesse and Esther (Wright) Menser. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1942 and enlisted in the U.S. Army as a WAC on November 4, 1943, in Indianapolis, Ind., serving as a mail clerk/courier at Ft. Leonard Wood and Ft. Riley. She earned the Woman’s Army Corps Service, American Campaign, and World War II Victory medals.
She met Henry S. Kowaleski, Sr., while serving at Ft. Leonard Wood in April 1944, and they were married on August 20, 1944, in Plymouth. He passed away on September 13, 1964.
She was discharged on December 16, 1945. On May 24, 2017, she participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in recognition of her service.
She is preceded in death by her parents and husband; siblings Chance (Bud) Menser, Harry Menser, Emma Lou Bollenbacher, Barbara Pentlow, and Howard Menser; and daughter-in-law Linda (Tom) Kowaleski.
She is survived by her children: Henry S. (Nancy) Kowaleski, Jr., Greenfield, Ind.; Tom Kowaleski, Richmond, Ind.; Fred Kowaleski, Colorado; John (Linda) Kowaleski, Plymouth, Ind.; Mary Kowaleski, Plymouth, Ind.; Susan Kemppel, Mesa, Arizona; Tim (Patty) Kowaleski, White Cloud, Minn.; as well as grandchildren: Christine (Guy) Thompson, Kevin (Monica) Kowaleski, Marina Cooper, Katrina (Christopher) Ferguson, Elizabeth Kemppel, Jennifer Kemppel, David Kemppel, Lauren Bules, Kelsey (Dennis) Miley, BillyJo Jasso, LaDNa Hyton; and twenty great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 1-3 p.m. at the New Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel, 1300 Chester Street, Plymouth, IN.
Memorial contributions can be made to Honor Flight, Box L-4016, Columbus, OH 43260-4016.
Milly Niessen says
Kevin so sorry to hear that your grandma passed, U, Monica and your family have our Symphaty
Jeff Towle says
Thoughts and prayers to your family as you mourn the loss of your mother. So many great memories of your family growing up.
Beverly Towle says
So very sorry for the loss of your mother. Many memories of living in the same neighborhood as our children were growing up.
Janet Lindvall says
John & Mary
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was always so nice to work with. I;m sure you will miss her greatly, as she was a great “Family Mom”
Linda Troyer Starr says
I remember Henry and Marjorie walking past our house with their growing family. They lived west of us on Lake Ave. Stan was in my class.
She leaves a wonderful legacy in her loving family. Godspeed and rest in peace!
Kurt Kelsey says
Dear Kowaleski family,
So sorry to hear that your Mom has passed. I never knew about her service in WWII.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! I have such great memories of growing with you all on Oakhill.