Obituary of Jeanne A. Kowall
Jeanne Ann Kowall, 89, of Joliet, IL, passed away at home peacefully on October 12, 2023, with her family by her side. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and beloved grandmother.
Jeanne began a lifelong love story when she married Kenneth Kowall on June 18, 1955, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Joliet, IL, where they began building a family together.
Jeanne graduated from St. Francis Academy in 1952 and graduated from Joliet Junior College with an Associate's degree in General Studies, later to launch her successful career in Real Estate.
Active in her community and well-known and respected by all, Jeanne had the distinct pleasure of helping people find their dream homes. She earned the honor of being exquisitely titled the “Queen of Real Estate,” becoming the first million-dollar agent in Will County while working for Spring Realty.
Jeanne embraced a wide circle of lifelong friends whom she loved playing bridge with and attending weekly Rosary. Whether it was cheering for her three children in swimming or her grandson in baseball, you would find her in the stands as their number one supporter. She was proud to be a part of their accomplishments, to celebrate their success, and most of all to encourage them to keep going.
Jeanne loved the Wisconsin Northwoods and the beauty the area has to offer. Since 1973, the family has loved making memories around the campfires and on the lake with family and friends to last a lifetime. She loved being on the water and was proud that her children did too. She taught her children how to swim and water ski, as well as many other lake sports. One of her favorite things to do was to ride in the speedboat with her family and enjoy the sunsets. When Jeanne wasn’t on the lake, you could find her tending to her trees and property alongside her husband.
Jeanne is survived by her sister Lorraine “Honey” (Matkovic) Belom; her three children, Lynn (Fred) Olivari, James Kowall, and Thomas (Rebecca) Kowall; grandchildren Brandon Kowall and Fred Olivari, Jr.; and sisters-in-law Pat and Joyce Matkovic. Jeanne was loved, respected and cherished by countless nieces and nephews.
Jeanne is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Kowall; her parents, Joseph and Katherine (Kocevar) Matkovic; and three beloved siblings, Joseph Matkovic, Jr., Sophie (Marion) Kolakowski, and Raymond Matkovic.
All friends and relatives are invited to celebrate Jeanne’s life on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, where she will lie in state from 9:30 a.m. until her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband Kenneth.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lightways Hospice Care, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Joliet, or Requiem Masses.
For information, please call 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.
