John Julian Kawalski

John Kawalski, 76 of Missoula passed away December 2, 2024 at his home. A visitation concluding with a Rosary will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at Garden City Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 12, 2024 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with inurnment to follow in the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at gardencityfh.com.

John Julian Kawalski, son of John Bernard and Alexandria “Elsie” (Predis) Kawalski, was born March 16, 1948 in Hammond, Indiana. He attended schools near Gary, Indiana and graduated from Calumet High School. After graduation John enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam war and was honorably discharged. He worked for Ford Motors for 9 years in Illinois and moved onto Inland Steel for 7 years. John then moved to Montana in 1981 and worked in the oil fields as a seismographer using geophones in search of potential oil deposits. He later moved to Missoula in 1990, finding his true home, and worked at Dailys Premium Meats until his retirement.

John was a person who never met a stranger, making friends wherever he went. He had a true passion for all things Chicago sports related and became an avid Montana Grizzly fan. Always supporting his beloved Chicago Cubs, he was truly content after they won the World Series in 2016. John enjoyed Bingo, bowling and frequenting his favorite establishments, the Missoula Club and Red’s Bar. He was a father, brother, uncle and friend who will be greatly missed. 

Left to cherish his memory are his son, John (Nicole) Kawalski; grandson, Joseph Kawalski; brothers, Joseph (Angela) Kawalski; Frank Kawalski; half-brother, Andrew (Christina) Urbanik; half-sister, Tina (Howard) Webb; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

John was preceded in death by is parents, John and Elsie Kawalski; brother, James Kawalski; and half-brother, George Urbanik.