Walter Kowalczyk
Walter Kowalczyk, 84, of Cape Coral died Thursday, April 21, 2011. He was born in Poland on Jan. 20, 1927. He moved to Germany in 1944 to avoid communist Russia’s occupation. After the war, he joined the civilian guard working for the U.S. Army in West Germany.
In 1951 he married Inga Wagner and they came to the United States with their son, Joseph, settling in Buffalo, N.Y.
He owned a small restaurant and also worked at Bethlehem Steel Company for 27 years. In 1983 he retired and moved to Cape Coral in 1984. He was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, the German American Club, the Slovic Club, the Polka Boosters Club and a Third Degree St. Andrews Church, Knights of Columbus Council #7131.
His hobbies were cooking, dancing and traveling.
Mr. Kowalczyk is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, Rose; his son, Joseph Kowalczyk; stepson, James (Kathy) Salvia; two stepdaughters, Geraldine Salvia and Jacqueline Johnson; five step-grandchildren, Mike, Nick, Chris, Beni and Nino; his brother; and several nieces.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Inga, in 1997.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, April 26, at 11 a.m., at St. Katharine Drexel Church, 1922 S.W. 20th Ave., Cape Coral.
Burial will follow at Coral Ridge Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorial contributions to St. Jude Childrens Hospital.