Tim Kowalski, a longtime instructor at the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Illinois, passed away on May 27 at the age of 75. Over a teaching career spanning more than three decades, Kowalski educated over 3,000 students in embalming and funeral preparation, leaving a significant impact on Chicago’s funeral industry.

Worsham College is known as a leading institution for mortuary science, and many of the funeral directors currently serving the Chicago area and beyond were trained under Kowalski’s guidance. Leili McMurrough, president of Worsham College, emphasized his role in shaping the profession, noting that most local funeral directors received instruction from him. McMurrough highlighted Kowalski’s focus on maintaining dignity and reverence for the deceased, recalling how he insisted on precise language, referring to embalming tools as “instruments” and treating the teaching role with utmost seriousness.

Former student and funeral home operator Joseph Rago described Kowalski as a pivotal mentor who prepared students to handle the sensitivities inherent in funeral services. Beyond the classroom, Kowalski was actively involved in overseeing indigent burials in Cook County, ensuring that individuals without family or financial means received respectful funerals.

In 2011, Kowalski led a burial service at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Homewood for 24 individuals without relatives able to cover funeral expenses. During the service, he acknowledged the unknown lives of the deceased while stressing the importance of honoring their shared humanity and dignity in death. This event left a lasting impression on many students involved, including Nikkia L. Brown, now a funeral services operator. Brown recalled being selected by Kowalski to participate in the burials early in her career, describing the experience as an honor and a sacred duty.

Kowalski’s exacting standards earned him nicknames such as “Special K” and “Cobra,” reflecting both affection and respect from his students. Brown praised him as one of the most skilled embalming professionals and a humble yet demanding teacher whose influence extended well beyond the classroom. She and other former students maintained contact with him for guidance throughout their careers.

Originally from Chicago’s Northwest Side, Kowalski attended Weber High School, Loyola University Chicago, and Mundelein Seminary before serving as a Catholic priest. He later left the ministry to study mortuary science at Worsham and pursue a career in funeral service and education. Outside of his professional life, he had interests in Renaissance art, Egyptology, and gourmet cuisine. He was married to Mary Jane, who described him as kind, compassionate, dedicated, and a professional with high standards.

Funeral services for Kowalski have already been held. His legacy continues through the many students he trained and the influence he had on the region’s funeral industry.