Submitted by: Dan Rich

Brother Leo Walter Kowalski, CSC

July 4, 1920 - Aug. 21, 2007

South Bend Tribune 8/26/2007

SOUTH BEND - Brother Leo Walter Kowalski, CSC, 87, died on August 21 in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center after a short illness. He was born July 4, 1920, in Two Rivers, WI, the son of Theophil Kowalski and Stella (Janoski) Kowalski. One of three siblings, he is survived by his sister. Br. Leo attended elementary and secondary schools in Two Rivers, as well as Fond du Lac Commercial College, and worked for the U.S. Forest Service and the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1943. He entered the aspirancy program of the Holy Cross Brothers in December 1947 at Watertown, WI. He received the habit of the brothers in August 1948 at Rolling Prairie, IN, pronounced temporary vows a year later, and perpetual vows on August 16, 1952. After completing an undergraduate degree magna cum laude at St. Edward's University in Austin, TX, in 1942, Br. Leo was assigned to the faculty of Notre Dame High School, Biloxi, MS, for two years; to Cathedral High school, Indianapolis, IN, for a semester; and then, in 1955, to Sacred Heart Military Academy, Watertown, WI, where he remained on the faculty when it moved to LeMans Academy in Rolling Prairie, IN, in 1968.

Apart from a semester's sabbatical for renewal in 1976, Br. Leo remained on the LeMans Academy staff until 1987, when he spent a year teaching at Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, IN. In 1988, Brother Leo returned to LeMans, where he served as a staff member until the academy closed. He was several times named the superior of the local community of brothers at the academy. At that time, Br. Leo moved to Columba Hall until health concerns caused him to move to Schubert Villa at Holy Cross Village. Besides his knowledge of commercial subjects, Br. Leo displayed considerable ability and took enjoyment from being outdoors and from working with handicrafts and maintenance projects. A man of infinite patience and indomitable good humor, he was particularly effective as teacher and prefect among the boarding students on the elementary level at the academies. His fun-loving, common sense approach to life and his attachment to prayer over the years were both comforting to and provided a wonderful example for students, staff, and fellow brothers alike. His warm presence will be missed.