Bernard Kowalkowski

Bernie was born on July 19, 1939, to Frank and Anna (Pasowicz) Kowalkowski. He graduated from Goodman High School with the Class of 1957.

On July 7, 1962, he married the love of his life, LaVerne Lotto. Together they shared nearly 64 years of marriage.

Bernie and LaVerne took over the family dairy farm in Armstrong Creek, while Bernie worked as a logger six days a week, skidding logs with a team of horses. Logging was not just his work, but his life. In 1979, after building his own home, Bernie began constructing custom log homes. His son, David, later continued and expanded the business into what is now known as Lumber Jack Log Homes.

Bernie enjoyed hunting, fishing, and bowling. He especially cherished elk hunting trips to Idaho with family and friends and memorable houseboat fishing trips to Canada with LaVerne and their children. He was a founding member of the Armstrong Creek Lions Club, served his community as a volunteer EMT for 16 years, and was town constable for several years.

At home, Bernie loved to cook — especially Sunday meals — and was well known for his sense of humor, quick wit, and unforgettable one-liners. He also enjoyed collecting rocks and earned the affectionate nickname “The Rock Star” from many who knew him.

Bernie is survived by his wife, LaVerne; his children, Carrie (Steve) Bussell, Lynn (Jim) Stankevich, and David (Patty) Kowalkowski; grandchildren Nicholas (Jaycie) Anderson, Matthew Anderson, Adam (Kasi) Stankevich, Rachel (Kevin) Stankevich, Kevin Kowalkowski, and Craig Kowalkowski; great-grandchildren Nolan and Emma Stankevich, and Haven and Aria Anderson; siblings Carol Hopkins, Kathy Baumgartner, Francis (Janice) Kowalkowski, and Patrick Kowalkowski; and granddaughter-in-law Amanda (Clark) Jach.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Brian Stankevich; his parents; his sister, Theresa (Art) Lockwood; his brothers, Adolph and Edward Kowalkowski; and brothers-in-law Jim Hopkins and Gene Baumgartner.

A Celebration of Bernie’s Life will be held on Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Armstrong Creek Community Center, where a luncheon will be served. A private family graveside service will be held at a later time.

Bernard’s family wishes to extend a special thanks to his caregiver, Julie and Kathy from ADRC and all of his hospice caregivers.

Online condolences may be directed to www.weberhillfuneralhome.com.