John Landowski

John Andrew Landowski, 89, died January 7th, 2008 at Valley Eldercare Center, Grand Forks, N.D. John was born February 10, 1918 in Cashel, N.D., the son of John Stanley and Helen Julia (Langowski) Landowski. After completion of the eighth grade, he worked on the family farm near Drayton. He bravely served in the U.S. Army (164th Infantry Regiment) from 1941 to 1944 and was decorated with the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. On February 26th, 1946, he married Grace M. Kretschmar at St.Mary's Catholic Church in Grand Forks. They lived in Grand Forks for three years where he worked as a Police Officer. He purchased the J.I. Case Dealership in Drayton, N.D and later moved to Moorhead, MN, where he worked in sales of cars, buses and heavy equipment. In 1963 he continued his sales and management work in California. Johnnie and Grace retired in Grand Forks and lived at Columbia Towers for 25 years. For the past two years he was cared for by Sunset Lutheran Home, Grafton N.D. and at Valley Eldercare Center. In 1992 John, with other veterans, returned to the Pacific to mark the 50th anniversary tour of Guadalcanal. He regularly attended the 164th Infantry Reunions and participated in raising funds for the construction of the Memorial for the 164th at the N. D. Veterans Cemetery. He is survived by his son, Wayne (Ricki) Landowski, Boynton Beach, Fl; daughters, Catherine (William)Lyle, Sammamish, WA and Frances (Jerry)Dvorak, Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren, Andrew Lyle, Sara Lyle, Adam Dvorak and Amanda (Corey) Jasper; great grandchild, Marcus Jasper; two sisters, Irene (Raymond) Arneson and Mary Lou (Bob) Stewart; many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Helen (Roy) Green and his dear wife, Grace. He never met a stranger and loved to visit with friends and family, especially at the Landowski reunions. Even at the end he was winking. A Memorial Mass at St. Michael's Catholic Church will be held this summer followed by burial of both John and Grace at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery at Mandan. **Memorials are preferred to the charity of your choice or to the N.D. Veterans Cemetery, 1825 46th St. Mandan, ND 58554.