Obituary of Derek James Kowalski

Derek Kowalski, 40, of Goshen, passed away unexpectedly, at his father’s home in Niles on Friday, February 8, 2019.

Derek was born on January 25, 1979 to Richard Kowalski and Sandra Raymond in South Bend, Indiana.

After graduating from Memorial High School in 1997, Derek worked at Ponderosa. While there he met Alyssia Collins, with whom he shared a twenty-year relationship and two children.

Derek formerly worked at Foamex and Cutters Foam Fabricating.  He recently started a new position at Modineer Company in Niles. Derek was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed playing fantasy football and watching Notre Dame and the Chicago Bears, as well as collecting sports cards. His family remembers times with Derek on camping trips, numerous wins at the casino and riding extreme roller coasters at amusement parks. His laugh and love for his family will live on forever.

Derek was preceded in death by his grandparents and a brother, Matthew Kowalski.

He is survived by his parents, Richard Kowalski (Debra Andrews) of Niles and Sandra Cockerham of South Carolina; his significant other, Alyssia Collins of Goshen; his daughters, Amanda Kline of Breman and Hailey and Ahnika Kowalski of Goshen; two sisters, Tiffany Raymond of South Bend and Melissa Kowalski of Niles; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and countless other family members that will remember him.

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, February, 16, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home at 521 E. Main Street in Niles, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made in Derek’s memory to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles or to www.fundthefuneral.com/derek-kowalski.