Gladys Kowalzek

Gladys Kowalzek, age 87, of Lastrup, MN, died Wednesday, December 16, 2015, at Harmony House of Pierz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 21 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church in Lastrup, MN with Fr. David Maciej officiating. The burial will be in the parish cemetery. A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 20 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Monday at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Pierz, MN. A Rosary will be said at 5:30 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening at the funeral home.

Gladys Laverne Valentine was born on January 30, 1928 in Platte Township, Morrison County, Minnesota to the late John and Ruth (Wallmark) Valentine. She attended grade school in Crow Wing County, MN and Gladys attended high school in Brainerd, MN.She was united in marriage to Philip Kowalzek on October 26, 1944 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Harding, MN. The couple made their home in Pulaski Township, Morrison County, MN. Gladys was a homemaker and helped on the family farm in Pulaski Township. She then went to work for X-Cell Optical Center in Sauk Rapids, MN for a few years. Gladys also worked for Crestliner and Larson Boats in Little Falls until her retirement in 1990. She enjoyed reading, quilting, gardening, raising children and caring for others. Gladys loved collecting Santa and chicken figurines. She was a former member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Harding, MN and was a present member of St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church in Lastrup, MN.Gladys was a member of the Rosary Sodality in Harding, MN.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Marilyn Kutzler of Burnsville, MN, Elaine (Ted) Farnam of Monticello, MN, Dan (Deb) Kowalzek of Livingston, MT, Russel (Mary) Kowalzek of Sauk Rapids, MN, Greg Kowalzek of Hastings, MN, Bryce (Amy) Kowalzek of Pierz, MN; daughter-in-law, Rose Kowalzek of Pierz, MN; 20 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and one on the way; three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Philip; son, Adrian in 2004; siblings, Clyde, Richard and Duane Valentine.

The casket bearers will be: Luke Kowalzek, Phil Kowalzek, Buck Kowalzek, Matthew Kowalzek, Travis Kowalzek, Harlan Kowlazek.