Timothy "T.J." Kowalski

Of Woodbury, MN

Beloved Husband, Dad, Son,

Brother, Uncle, Nephew,

Cousin, Friend

Passed away unexpectedly on May 9, 2016. Preceded in death by grandparents, Mathew & Kathryn Garofalo, Harold Kowalski & Alice Petersen; uncle, Mick Bryant; Aunt, Joan Kowalski; cousin, Lt. Col. Mark Weber. He is survived by his loving wife, Kim (nee Schrade); sons, Jacob & Sammy; parents, Tim & Chris; sisters, Kelly (Derek) Wennerberg & Allison (James) Rieger; nieces, Madeline, Hannah & Lucy Wennerberg; and many aunts, uncles, cousins; mother and father in law, Dick and Judy Schrade. TJ’s boys were the pride and joy of his life; hardly ever missing a baseball game, Cub Scouts or school event. Not only did he enjoy watching his boys play ball, he loved to watch NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt, the MN Vikings, Twins and Wild. He had a passion for racing, and enjoyed weekend trips to Cedar Lake Speedway to support his cousins. A true servant. His rough and gruff exterior could not hide his true heart. TJ’s heart was bigger than even he knew; he never turned down a request for help, doing whatever he could to do to lend a hand to those who asked. He was beloved by his many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was considered a brother by many of his cousins who grew up with him and shared the same interests. Our comfort comes in knowing his spirit lives on and we trust in God’s promise that we will be together again. He graduated from New Life Academy, class of 1992. He worked many trade jobs as a laborer throughout the Twin Cities, with his most recent role working at Lubrication Technologies, Inc. in Saint Paul, MN. Funeral Service Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 10am at New Life Church of Woodbury, 6758 Bailey Rd. Interment to follow at Christ’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Lake Elmo, MN. Reception at New Life Church following interment. Visitation on Friday, May 13, 2016 from 5-8pm, and one hour prior to the service all at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family.