Joseph Thaddeus Pawlowski

Joe was born on November 17, 1926, to Joseph and Sophie Pawlowski in Chicago, Illinois. He was the oldest of four children. When he was a young boy, he would travel to Soldiers Field and sell newspapers. Growing up Joe studied the violin and was an accomplished artist playing with a local orchestra. In 1945 he began his service in World War II where he served until the end 1946. After the service he began his career with Sperry Univac.

Throughout his life he was active with many sports including basketball, baseball, golf, and bowling. It was during this time that he met Rita and later married her on May 28, 1955. They began their marriage in Chicago, and started their family with two sons, Joe, and Gary. In time they moved to Carpentersville, Illinois where they had three more children, Sue, Tom, and Deb.

In 1976 Joe and Rita moved their family to Brainerd, Minnesota where they became the owners of Wilson Bay Resort. During this time Joe continued working in Chicago, eventually transferring to Mendota Heights, and settling in Farmington, Minnesota. After retiring and he began his second career in photography while working at the Veteran’s Administration in St. Paul. His photographic abilities allowed him to be part of the VA informational card, featuring his work and image.

Once he really retired, Joe and Rita explored together, taking trips to Disneyland and Bramson. They also enjoyed taking cruises together with family that included going to Alaska and multiple trips to Hawaii. Their last trip was to Hawaii, where together they took a helicopter ride over Oahu. When he was 90 years old he had the opportunity to take the Honor Flight to Washington, DC and visit the various veteran memorials and Arlington Cemetery.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Rita, parents Joseph and Sophie, brothers Robert and Ed, grandson Gary and great-grandson Tristian.

He is survived by his children Joe (Debbie) Pawlowski, Gary (Helen) Pawlowski, Sue Eaton, Tom (Rachel) Pawlowski and Deb (Brian) Kirchmeier and grandchildren Christopher (Debbie) Pawlowski, Joe Pawlowski, Mark Pawlowski, Jennifer Pawlowski, Jon Pawlowski, James Pawlowski, Alan (Chris) Gangl, Jeff Alexander, Dani (Phil) Anderson, Missy (Andy) Gladen, Michael (Lauren) Pawlowski, David (Jessica) Pawlowski, Maggie Pawlowski, Amanda (Nick) Buenger, Alyssa Carey, Marcus Resendez, Brent Kirchmeier, Andra Kirchmeier and many great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Joseph will be held Friday, December 13, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home, 6901 West Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634. A final viewing prayers will occur Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, 6901 West Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634. A mass of christian burial will occur Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 7211 W Talcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60631. A cemetery chapel committal & entombment will occur Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at St Adalbert Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleums, 6800 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714.