Stan Kowalski Biography

Stan Kowalski was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 13th, 1926.  Stan went to school at Duluth Central and Minneapolis North High School, and University of Minnesota, Majoring in Journalism  from 1948 to 1950.

Stan enlisted into the Navy in October of 1943 and served until April 1946.  Stan Served in the Submarine Squadron 182 in the South West Pacific.  Stan earned the following ribbons: American Defense, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre, Japanese Victory, Navy Occupation and Navy Letter of Commendation.

Stan is a Life Member of VFW Post 363 in Fridley, Minnesota.  Stan has been a member of the VFW for 38 years.  Stan served as Post Commander in 1997-98 and has served his Post through the chairs as well as various Chairmanships.    Stan also went through the chairs of the 7th District and earned a Distinguished All American District Commander from the VFW National Organization.  Stan was recognized in the award as being 1st in the Nation during the 2003-04 Membership Year.  As State Chairman for Operation Uplink Stan helped raise over 1/2 Million Dollars for the Program.

Stan served as State Judge Advocate in 2005-06, State Junior Vice Commander in 2006-07, State Senior Vice Commander in 2007-08 and State Commander in 2008-09.  Stan also co-chaired the WWII War Memorial with Past Commander in Chief Bob Hanson.

Stan was a Professional Wrestler from 1950 to 1976 with 19 Major Titles and over 6,600 matches.

Stan's  Accomplishments

Olympic Torch Bearer, Honorary Colonel of the 934th Air Life Wing because of work with families of deployed, Lion of the Year for District 5M7 Lions Club, 18 years school board member/chair for Independent School District 16, State school board member of the year in 1992, 10 year negotiator for Union Local 17 H.E.R.E., University of Minnesota outstanding Alumni in Navy Recruiting Distric1992, Little League Baseball Coach 1976 - 1986, Co-Chairman Navy Recruiting District Assistance Committe since 2000, Award from United Way for serving 46 years as Guest Speaker for the Organization, Awards from Muscular Dystrophy Association, State Legislator, Muiltiple Scleroses, Big Brother/Big Sister, Governor of Minnesota, 2 US Congressmen, 2 National Senators, 1 award from AFL/CIO.

Stan is also a Member of the American Legion, Lions Club, and the WWII Submarine Veterans Association.

Stan has been married for 47 years to Cleo. The have 2 children, 4 grandchildren and reside in Blaine, Minnesota.

Last modified: 07/08/10