Racine – John Stephen Kowbel, age 68, passed away peacefully at Ascension All Saints Hospital on Thursday afternoon, September 19, 2024.

John was born in Racine on April 24, 1956 to the late Stanley and Dorothy (nee: Kramer) Kowbel. He was educated in Racine area schools and was a 1976 graduate of Washington Park High School. In 1981, he received an associate degree in sales & marketing from Gateway Technical College.

John was an active member of the former Emmanuel Lutheran Church until the church consolidated and is now known as Journey in Faith Church. He was employed by the Pathologists Laboratories of Racine 1986-1993, Hardee's Restaurants of Racine 1993-2002, and the former Emmanuel Lutheran Church 1984-2017.

John enjoyed crossword puzzles, genealogy, cooking and his many trips to Chicago. He was a member of Wheaton Franciscan Partners in Caring / All Saints Auxiliary 1984-2015 where he had logged in over 2000 volunteer hours. He shared his gift of voice with the Racine Chorale 1991-1999.

Surviving are his brother and sister-in-law, David and Dorothyann Kowbel; niece, Katherine Kowbel; nephew, Michael Kowbel (Rachael); great niece and nephew Lucy and Caleb; special aunt, Mrs. Charlotte Wieczorek-Bley, numerous cousins as well as close friends, Mark & Lydia Bollendorf and Gary & Suzette Krause.

Funeral services will be held at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 3:00 pm with Pastor Allison Johnson officiating. Viewing will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Private burial will take place next to John's parents in Graceland Cemetery. In memory of John, memorials have been suggested to Shriners Hospitals for Children or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The family would like to extend a deep and sincere thank you to the Intensive Care Unit and Hospice staff at Ascension for the care given to John during his time of illness.

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