Craig D. Kowalski, 54 of Collinsville, Illinois, formerly of Newark, Ohio, born October 10, 1956 in Toledo, Ohio, died on Monday, August 29, 2011, at his residence.



Craig''s goal in life was to help others while not expecting anything in return. A very gifted and intelligent man, Craig received his mechanical engineering degree from the University of Toledo and his electrical engineering degree from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, and was a Senior Project Engineer at Owens Corning. He was also a certified pilot and a certified aircraft mechanic and loved flying his plane.



He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Walter and Jane, nee Radlinski, Kowalski; his maternal grandparents, Anthony Casimer and Frances Clara, nee Thomas, Krall; and his mother in law, Virginia "Jenny" Cobb.



Craig is survived by his wife, Terry Oliver Kowalski, whom he married on September 5, 2004; son, Christopher D. Riedy of Yuma, Arizona; parents, Carl David and Patricia Marie, nee Krall, Kowalski; sister, Linda McGinnis of Genoa, Ohio; brother, Carey (Kathy) Kowalski of Gahanna, Ohio.



In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or Unity Hospice and will be accepted at Herr Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to the family at Http://www.herrfuneral.com.



Visitation will be 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Sunday, September 4, 2011, at Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, Illinois.



Funeral Service will be at 3:00 PM Sunday at Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, Illinois with the Father John Beveridge officiating. There will be a private family graveside service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri at a later date. A Memorial Service will also be held in Toledo, Ohio at a later date.