Sylvia Kukowski

Sylvia Kukowski, 96, of Roseau, MN, formerly of Badger, MN, died on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 in LifeCare Roseau Manor in Roseau.

Funeral will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Badger, MN with Father John Kleinwachter, officiating.

Visitation will be after 6 PM on Monday, with a 7 PM vigil prayer service, in St. Mary’s Church and one hour before Mass on Tuesday, also in church.

Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery at Badger.

Sylvia Kukowski was born Sylvia Virginia Dostal, the daughter of Albin and Julia (Lubinski) Dostal, on June 22, 1920 at Badger, MN. She attended Grade School District #23 and graduated Valedictorian from Badger High School, Class of 1937. She then graduated from Teacher's Training at Thief River Falls, MN and taught school for three years in Roseau County.

On June 25, 1940, Sylvia married the love of her life, John Kukowski, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Badger, MN. Together they farmed and raised their family on their farm south of Badger. John died on December 14, 1967. Sylvia remained on the farm as a mother and homemaker for many years. She later worked in housekeeping at Greenbush Hospital and Nursing Home from 1976 to 1989. She was also Secretary of the Retired Teachers Assn., and served as Skagen Township Assessor, each for one term.

Sylvia was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Badger. She was a member of St. Ann’s Sodality, long time choir member and taught released time classes for several years. Sylvia’s faith in God was the center of her life. She was a member of the St. Joseph’s Lay Carmelite Order in Red Lake Falls, MN. She spent much of her time praying for others and strived daily to be closer to her Heavenly Father.

Sylvia truly enjoyed gardening, especially flowers (she was a member of Gro-Rite Garden and Homemakers Clubs), and loved the outdoors and farm life. She was an avid reader, enjoyed spelling, crossword puzzles and letter writing. Music thrilled her, especially the violin. She enjoyed traveling, particularly with her sister in law, Mary Dostal. Sylvia savored her time with her family and very much looked forward to being with them, especially after church, telling stories, laughing and sharing her wonderful sense of humor.

Sylvia is survived by her children—Loren Kukowski of Badger, Alice Jobe of Plummer, MN, Allan Kukowski of Wannaska, MN, Phyllis (Joe) Unruh of Warroad, MN, Gerald (Lorraine) Kukowski of Badger & Jack Kukowski of Badger.

Grandchildren—Marlys, Mike, David, Bradd, Anjanette, Stacy, Kari, Ashley, Jeremy & Jana. Step-Grandchildren—Keith, Geralyn & Kevin.

Several Great-Grandchildren and one Great-Great-Granddaughter—Betty Ann Erickson.

Sister—Laura Johnson of Park Rapids, MN.

Sylvia was welcomed into her heavenly home by her parents, her husband John Kukowski, two children in infancy, her brothers—Norbert & Ted Dostal, and sisters Dorothy Brazier and Marie Sikorski.