Martin N. Kowalski

Wasilla resident Martin (Marty) N. Kowalski, 81 died suddenly Nov. 28, 2008 at his home. A celebration of life Mass was held at Sacred Heart Parish in Seward on Dec. 4, was officiated by Father Richard Tero and Deacon Wally Corrigan, and served by his grandson Zachary Rogers.

Marty was born Aug. 13, 1927 in Staples, Minn., to Martin and Rose Kowalski, the third of eight children.

He came to Alaska in 1947 via the Alcan Highway with friends in a Model A. The Model A made it to Caribou Creek when the brakes failed and the car plummeted into the creek. Marty was uninjured and ended up in Seward via a bush pilot who just happened to be headed in that direction.

Marty worked on the docks as a longshoreman, crane operator and winch operator from 1947. He married Donna in 1954 and they lived and worked in Seward for the next 44 years. In their early years, Marty played drums with the musical trio Donna, Marty & Bill, and then in 1966 purchased Dreamland Bowl. Marty was inducted into the Alaska Bowler’s Hall of Fame and holds the distinction of holding the title of the first State All-Events Champion in 1959. He retired from the docks and sold Dreamland Bowl in 1983 to enjoy his retirement.

Marty enjoyed golf, bowling, cards and especially his family. He particularly enjoyed holidays where the family gathered together and played a hand or two for quarters. Marty left Seward in 2001 when he moved to Wasilla. He was a member of the Seward Volunteer Fire Department, Knights of Columbus, Seward Elks Lodge, Pioneers of Alaska and Sacred Heart Parish in Seward.

His family wrote, “Dad had a kind heart and was loved by his family. He was an honest man and was not afraid of hard work. He lived a good life and will be missed.”

He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn Kowalski-Eaton and Dale Eaton of Wasilla, daughters Karen Kowalski of Wasilla and Kim Kowalski-Rogers of Seward, and daughter and son-in-law Rosa and Sonny Wright of Wasilla,12 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; son, Dennis; and granddaughter, Cricket.