Obituary of June Rosemary Kowalczak

June Rosemary Kowalczak, 89, passed away June 28, 2019.

She was born June 12, 1930 to Charles and Sophia Peterson in Superior, WI. Following the death of Sophia, shortly after June’s birth, she was raised by her father, aunt and uncle alongside cousins Janet Rasmussen and Judy Rivord, who she considered her sisters.

June graduated from Superior Central in 1948. After graduation she went to work at the Duluth Herald & News Tribune where she met Jim Kowalczak. They were married in 1950 and went on to raise seven children. They lived in Duluth’s West End until moving to Little Grand Lake in Saginaw in 1963. She worked as a secretary at Caribou Lake and Bayview schools, owned the Tree House children’s clothing store in Cloquet, and managed the Highland Supper Club. June loved her time as executive secretary at the Duluth Woman’s Club, meeting many wonderful friends and bridge partners, until her retirement in 2001.

Known as her husband’s “Saginaw Rose,” June enjoyed many years at the lake spending time with family and friends. Her favorite pastime was playing bridge with her dear friends, Barb Ward, Mary Kero, and Gwen Nelson. We all knew not to call or visit during her treasured bridge time. June enjoyed the Twins, Vikings, and even the Packers. Above all, she loved her grandchildren.

June is preceded in death by son, Jimmy (1968); husband, James (1997); and favorite Dalmatian, Gus.

June is survived by her “favorites,” children, Jo Ann (Bob) Winship, Jane (John) Rice, Julie Kowalczak (Jim Martimo), John (Courtney), Jackie (Mark) Halverson, and Jason (Kelly); her grandchildren, Rob (Taylor Horton) Martimo, Joe and Jimmy Rice, Cade and Jacob Kowalczak, Emily Halverson, and Riley, Jesse and Kaylee Kowalczak; and great grandchild Layla Martimo.

A special thanks to the staff and residents at Keystone Bluffs for the care and friendship they gave June over the past seven years.

June will be remembered for her wonderful gift of hospitality, graceful elegance, and generous nature. She will be greatly missed.

Gathering of family and friends from 2 p.m. until the 3 p.m. memorial service Tuesday, July 2nd in the Cremation Society of Minnesota Chapel, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth.