Mr. Richard S. “Dick” Kowalski, 79, of Galesburg, Illinois died 2:38 a.m. Monday, April 10, 2023, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois.
Dick was born February 18, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan to Richard J. and Margaret (Sheldon) Kowalski. He married Doris K. Smith, November 20, 1982, in Galesburg.
Surviving is his wife of over 40 years, Doris Kowalski of Galesburg; two sons, Jerrod Kowalski (and Corrina Kuo) of Oceanside, California and Sterling Kowalski of Minneapolis, Minnesota; a daughter, Renee (and Mark) Longtain of Rainier, Oregon; a sister, Joan Kowalski, O.P. of San Diego, California; a granddaughter, Nicole (and Anthony) Melling, and a great granddaughter, Auna Leigh. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Dick graduated from St. Thomas High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1962. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1966. He continued his education in San Antonio, Texas and graduated with a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Trinity University in 1971. He served as President & CEO of OSF St. Mary Medical Center since 1979 and from 2009 until he retired in 2013 was the President & CEO of OSF Healthcare Western Region.
Dick was a visionary leader and worked tirelessly to bring the best healthcare possible to the Galesburg community. Early in his tenure at St. Mary, two Joint Ventures with Galesburg Cottage Hospital developed the Galesburg Hospitals Ambulance Service (GHAS) and following this, the Western Illinois Cancer Treatment Center (the Radiation facility). He worked with outlying communities to develop a network of referral clinics. He served as a mentor and coach to his administrative teams, supporting and encouraging them to reach their full professional potential. The Richard S. Kowalski Staff Education and Development Endowment was created by the OSF St. Mary Foundation as a tribute to his legacy. Dick extended his mentoring and leadership skills to include internship opportunities for graduate students from the University of Iowa Health and Hospital Administration Graduate Program. He received an Honorary Alumnus Award from the University of Iowa Graduate Program in 1990. He also collaborated with Knox College to provide clinical internships for their students.
He was a Life Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, past Regent for Central Illinois, and received the ACHE Regent’s Award in 2004. He was a member of the American Hospital Association and Illinois Hospital Association and served in several leadership capacities for the IHA including Region 1B President in 1986 and the Board of Trustees 1986-1992.
Dick shared his leadership skills with the Galesburg community and served on the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce Board (President 1991), the Galesburg 2000 Board, the Galesburg Regional Economic Development Association (GREDA) Board and as Chairman, The United Health Properties Board, the Economic Development Council, and the Knox County Development Corporation Board. Dick enjoyed working with other community leaders on the National Railroad Hall of Fame Board. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International; received the Knox Alumni Association Knox Service Award in 2013 and received the Thomas B. Herring Community Service Award in 2015 from the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce.
After retirement, Dick remained active in the community but also pursued other interests. In addition to several of the Boards and organizations already mentioned, he became a Reading Buddy at Costa Catholic Academy. Although he was a tough taskmaster, the kids liked reading with Mr. K. He took classes at Knox College, but not for grades. He chose classes to expand his knowledge and interests, and always outside of the healthcare field. Knox classmates will remember Dick for the end-of-term pizza and his crazy socks.
As much as he gave to his profession and the community, Dick was also there for his family and friends. He was a member of the Soangetaha Country Club where he enjoyed many rounds of golf. His children will be forever grateful for his sage advice and support. His love for his family and friends was immeasurable, and we will miss his smile, his humor, and his caring nature. Dick would not eat rhubarb or coconut and had no patience for standing in a line. We will remember him as a snappy dresser. He loved French cuff shirts with cuff links and was always on the lookout for the next perfect tie. He loved a good party, to dance with his wife Doris, and a gin martini – shaken with a twist and no vermouth.
A member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Galesburg, he extended his generous spirit to many including the students and faculty of Costa Catholic Academy and the students of Knox College.
As Dick requested, cremation will be accorded. A time of sharing memories and celebrating Dick’s life will be on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 3:00-5:00PM at Soangetaha Country Club. Pastor Curt Lipe will offer a Tribute to Dick at 4:00PM. Memorials may be made to the OSF St. Mary Medical Center Richard S. Kowalski Staff Education and Development Endowment, the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, or to Knox College. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
