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Laura Kowal

August 29, 1962 ~ August 9, 2020

Laura A. Kowal was born August 29, 1962, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Richard and Mary Constance (nee Anderson) Broulik. She died August 9, 2020, in Lewis County, Missouri. Laura was a 1985 graduate of Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a B.A. in Business Administration. Laura had a very successful career in the healthcare industry having management and director roles with Unity Point in Dubuque, Iowa, Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, Illinois, and Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Laura retired from her healthcare career in 2017 to spend time fully enjoying her property in Galena, tending to her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, participating in local golf leagues, volunteering through therapy dog work with her beloved golden doodle 'Effie' at the Elizabeth Nursing Home in Elizabeth, Illinois, working part time at River Bend Gallery and Carlotta's in downtown Galena, and enjoying time with family and friends ' both locally in Galena and traveling to visit those afar. Laura will be remembered for her contagious smile and laugh, loving heart and constant willingness to help and support others. Laura is survived by her daughter, Kelly Kowal; her siblings, William (Barb) Broulik, Dale (Brenda) Broulik, Susan (Daryl) Spivey, Mark Broulik, Stephen (Brenda) Broulik and Wesley (Mandy) Broulik; her mother-in-law Marjorie Kowal; her sisters-in-law, Peggy (Doug) Fisher, Mary Kay (Mick) Callaghan, Carol (Dale) Costantino and Nancy Mikeworth (Jack Springmire); and by many nieces and nephews. Laura is preceded in death by her husband, William Kowal; her father, Richard Broulik; her mother Mary Constance (nee Anderson) Broulik; and her father-in-law, Richard Kowal. Family and friends are invited to gather and honor Laura's life from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2020, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, Iowa. Face masks and social distancing will be required. Private graveside Catholic services will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mechanicsville, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Laura Kowal Memorial Fund, in care of Illinois Bank & Trust, 971 Gear Street, Galena, Illinois 61036.

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  1. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

  2. My deepest sympathy for the loss of this sweet lady. I remember working with Laura at St. Thomas of Villanova Church in Palatine,Illinois. She would do the decorating in the gym with her friend Mary Beth for whatever events that were going on, like the fundraiser, St. Joe’s/St. Pat’s. I especially remember when I met with her when her husband passed away to make the arrangements. That was a devastating time for her and her daughter. She was a beautiful, gracious, kind and sweet lady. She will be greatly missed. R.I.P. Laura. Many thoughts and prayers for her and especially for her daughter.🙏

  3. I worked with Laura for many years. She was bright, energetic, loving and selfless. Laura made a positive impact with whomever she came in contact with. I will truly miss her. Laura and her family are in our thoughts and prayers. Dawn and Jim Walden

  4. We first net Laura at River bend Gallery and was touched by her sweet personality and genuine concern & interest in others. Her beautiful smile was infectious. So sorry for the loss to get family and the Galena community. We will miss our chats with her while visiting the Gallery.

  5. I didn’t know Laura very well, but I worked with her husband, Bill in Chicago. Real nice couple. My sympathy to their daughter.

  6. I worked for Laura for a number of years at Northwest Community Hospital and she truly was one of the best bosses I’ve ever hard. She was always more than fair, kind, caring and compassionate. My prayers and deepest sympathy. Peggy Emerson

  7. I worked with Laura at NCH for many years and on many projects. She was smart, compassionate and funny! She made an impact, not just on her departments, but also on everyone she worked with. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Kelly. Pat Stack

  8. I have Laura to thank for hiring me back to NCH in 2010. She was a smart, caring boss with a wonderful smile. My heart goes out to her family and close friends losing her from their lives way too soon.

  9. I knew Laura and Bill when our daughters played HS volleyball together. When I entered the crowded gym each game day, I scanned the packed bleachers for my favorite couple – Laura and Bill were the parents my husband and I wanted to sit next to. Fun, supportive, interesting, genuine – just really good people. Laura was such a loving and devoted wife and mom. She had a wonderful relationship with Kelly – Bill and Kelly were her world. My thoughts and prayers go out to sweet Kelly, and Laura’s entire family and loved ones.

  10. My condolences to her family. She was a true leader. I will forever be thankful for her seeing my potential.

  11. Kelly, We are so devastated for your loss. Your mom seemed like an amazing woman. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

  12. So many prayers for strength are being sent to you and your family Kelly. We are thinking of you. So much love coming from the Weyburn family.

  13. Kelly, wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories of your Mom to forever hold in your heart.

  14. With loving memories of “Laura Kowal”. We will always remember the fun times we had living next door and the family milestones we celebrated together.

  15. Our hearts and prayers go out to Laura’s family. We have fond memories of her. If you need anything please call. Connie and Brett Freema

  16. Wishing you all peace and family time together to share your wonderful memories of Laura. With love from Anna Maria Island, Florida xxxo

  17. Laura is amazing and has an infectious smile! Customers enjoyed her attentiveness and honesty. To your family, we will keep ALL of you in our prayers. All of us at Carlottas will deeply miss you. Hugs Alicia, Caryn and Gerlie.

  18. My heart goes out to all of Laura’s family. It seems like only yesterday we were young children playing Hide and seek, and army out in the woods and her parents farm. I will always remember her with that beautiful smile. My deepest sympathy.

  19. Laura was a sweet caring person, she definitely will be missed. One thing that everyone knew about her was her beautiful smile. If you really needed someone to talk to she’d always lend an ear. Her kindness and loving support is what truly made her who she was. Cassandra M

  20. She and Effie brought such enormous uplift to me and my husband at the Elizabeth Nursing Home a few years ago. They were a wonderful, sensitive team, and they seemed to know just when someone needed extra support and kindness. This meant more than I can possibly say. What a special lady!

  21. “Laura Kowal” will remain in our hearts forever. Sent with love and remembrance from Sherman registration team. Prayers and blessings to Kelly.

  22. Jennifer I believe I just wanted to say you are incredibly strong wish you peace Joy and the wish that you be kind to yourself


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