Leslie John Kowalski

On December 31, 2024, we said goodbye to our beloved husband and father, Les Kowalski.

Les said that he should have died at 18, but he served his country and returned home from Vietnam.

Les said that he should have died in his 40s, but he survived the widow maker heart attack and went on to teach others how to deliver babies, save lives, and care for the community.

Les said that he should have died in his 50s after losing his parents and brother, but he continued on being a loving and devoted husband to Becky and a nurturing, and proud, father of Michelle and Melissa.

He was a man of his word who prized loyalty and family (blood and chosen) above all else. He made sure that those he cared about knew how to shake a hand, shoot a gun, and run a pool table.

His sarcastic wit, smart aleck remarks, and love for storytelling ensured that everyone around him was laughing and enjoying life.

We will miss your unwavering support and inappropriate comments. We find comfort in knowing your spirit will help guide us forward forever (especially at the casino).

RIP Daddy – Becky and your girls love and miss you so so so much already!

Obituary lovingly written by Les’ daughters, Michelle and Melissa.

Les found joy in the simple pleasures of life: the thrill of the casino, where each roll of the dice or shuffle of the cards held the promise of adventure. But his true love was the open road, traveling the backroads of America, seeking out the hidden beauty in quiet towns and rolling landscapes. Along the way, he never met a stranger, always finding the good in people, no matter where he went. With a heart full of optimism and a spirit that saw only the best in others, he made every journey a story worth telling.

Les Kowalski was a man of dedication, support, honor, and valor. From his loyalty in serving this country as an Army Medic in Vietnam, to his dedication in being part of one the first Paramedic groups in Oakland County, Les dedicated his life to serving others. After returning home from the war, Les continued his practice as a Medic for more than thirty-five years. He also taught Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) classes over the years to continue to help and serve others. Les made the ultimate sacrifice and commitment to this country, not only by his service in the United States Army, but also as a Paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician. On behalf of a grateful nation, we thank Les Kowalski for his dedication in ensuring the safety of others.

Memorial Visitation for Les will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 9:00 am until 12:30 pm at D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, located at 30009 Hoover Road, Warren, Michigan 48093.

Memorial Service for Les will take place at 11:30 am on Saturday, March 29, 2025, also located at the funeral home. Military honors to begin promptly at 11:30 am before the memorial service.

Memorial contributions in Les’ honor may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910; or The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 129, P.O. Box 183581, Shelby Charter Township, Michigan 48317.