Racine– Jonathan Ray Kwiatkowski, 21, had his young and vibrant life selfishly taken from him on Monday, April 4, 2011.
Jonathan was born at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee on July 8, 1989 to Lori Ann and Timothy Kwiatkowski. He graduated with honors from William Horlick High School in 2007. Jon was currently a junior at University of Wisconsin – Parkside pursuing a major in Humanities.
Motivated and hardworking to say the least, while Jon was successfully completing his studies at Parkside, he was also employed as a sales specialist at Best Buy for the past few years. Recently, Jon co-founded a clothing company – “Home Sweet Home”, where they focused on selling creations at venues throughout the local music community. Christian by faith, Jon shared his God-given gift as a musician throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Above all, Jonathan was a model student, son, brother, grandson, and uncle, who always had a kind word for others, especially for those who seemed to be a little disadvantaged and less fortunate.
Surviving are his broken-hearted parents, Lori and Tim Kwiatkowski; treasured brothers, Kyle (Cassie) and Cory Kwiatkowski; beloved grandparents, Raymond and Patricia Kwiatkowski, Linda Briere and Paul (Jean) Peppey; dear great-grandmother, Esther Pruski; cherished nieces, Kyla and Koda Kwiatkowski; loving aunts and uncles, Christian (Mike) Stratton, the late Jeffrey (Linda) Kwiatkowski, Lisa (Paul) Peters, Diane (Bob) Schotzko and Joseph (Rachael) Briere and by many other great-aunts and uncles, cousins, other relatives and dedicated friends – too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his Uncle Jeff, Jonathan was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Bud and Lois Hill.
Funeral services celebrating Jonathan’s life will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 11:00 am with Rev. Jeffrey M. Thielen officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 2-5 pm and on Sunday from 10-11. Cremation will follow the services and private interment will take place. To enhance the studies of local students in the future, memorials to the Jonathan Ray Kwiatkowski Scholarship Fund (set up at all Johnson Bank locations) has been suggested.
Special note of thanks to our family, friends, law enforcement and to the Racine community for the outpouring of love and support during this devastating time. Please keep our entire family in your prayers.
“Heads up. Hearts up. Hopes up.”
Kris cohen says
I do not know Jonathan, but worked with Lori briefly at knapp. Sending my thoughts and prayers and deep sorrow.
Stevenson Family says
To the family and friends of Jonathan, He was a friend to our daughter Elise and will be missed by her and the people who knew him. As a parent my heart goes out to your family and that he was taken far too young and had a bright future ahead of him.
From our family to yours,
May God keep his memory close to not only those who knew him but the ones that read the paper.
Peace Always,
Mrs.E Stevenson
Racine
Brad K says
Tim and Lori, our hearts broke for you guys when we heard about Jonathan. I know there truly are no words, but we both have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. -Brad and Jenny
The Szutas says
We still hope to roll over and find out this has all been a bad dream. He was a wonderful human being, thanks to you both, and will be missed by the world. Please know that our hearts, prayers, and love are with you during this devastating time. I still remember when he was so small. If you need anything at all we are only a call away. We love you all very much.
Luis Garcia and Family says
We want to express our deepest sympathy. God Bless all of you and may you find peace.
Laura says
You do not know me but we have a mutual friend, James Neibaur who posted the sad news on Facebook today. I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine anything worse than losing a child. I will pray for the family and hope that in time, God will ease your pain and give you comfort.
Melissa Sinks says
Tim and Lori, Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this unbelievably difficult time. Melissa
Holly Roberts says
Jon is in a better place and he is looking over all of us and smiling because we made his life meaningful. We will all meet him again someday. He’s not gone… he lives in our hearts and souls as a good person and we will never forget the life that he lived.
Heidi says
My heart goes out to Jonathan’s family and many many friends. I have known Jon for many years! He will truely be missed!!! R.I.P. Our beautiful angel!! Heads Up, Hearts Up, Hopes Up!!
Terri Busalacchi says
Lori and family. In the short time I have got to know your family, I am thankful for the time that I had to know Jonathan at Caiden’s functions/birth etc. He was a very wonderful young man and he will be missed. I must say that I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow your hearts are having. My thoughts and prayers are and will be with you.
Kellie Tuttle-Jacobs says
Meet Again
I know I left too quickly,
I’m sorry to see you cry.
But know that we will meet again,
That this is not goodbye.
And when you’re really missing me,
And feeling pretty down,
Just close your eyes and picture me,
Because I’m always around.
I am with you when you work and play,
Even when you eat and sleep.
I am with you in everything you do,
That’s a promise I will keep.
When the wind blows on your face,
That is me giving you a kiss.
When the sun wraps you up in its warm embrace,
It’s my hug that you’ll never have to miss.
You see, there is no seperating me from you.
Impossible. We’re stuck like glue.
Held together by love’s eternal bond,
There’s no dividing the two.
I know it seems too much to bear,
But be strong, please just try.
And soon enough we’ll meet again,
Because this is not goodbye.
Carol Bucholtz says
Lori & Tim I am so sorry for your loss. Such a tragedy for you guy’s just remember all the good times you had with him and that God has a reason for every thing. Only time will heal your loss.My Prayers are with you and your family.
Carol and Dale Bucholtz
Ramona says
To the family of Jonathan, I never met your son but my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. May God heal your broken hearts and make you stronger.
Jim and Carie says
Tim and Lori,
It’s difficult, if not impossible, to imagine or explain how something so tragic and evil could happen to such great people. We ask God daily to give you, Kyle, Cory, all your family and friends some sort of comfort now and during the upcoming days ahead. Love to all…
Donna nelsen says
Tim, All of us at SCJ are so so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. May God Bless you and your family!
Jodi says
Jon, Thank you for loving Katy and being a big brother to Hannah & Noelle. You will forever be a part of our family. Don't think you will get any slack being an angel up there. We will still talk to you and know you are near. To your family- Tim and Lori, you raised such a wonderful man. He was an angel here on earth and touched so many lives. To Kyle & Cory, you were the best brother's anyone could ask for. We are just a phone call away and will do anything for you. My heartfelt prayers to you. Katy's family
Diane Schuller says
Dear Lori,Tim and Family: Although I did not kow Jonathan, our daughter did.She worked at Best Buy with him. She was fortunate enogh to have had the pleasure of knowing him. She thought a great deal of him. He was to her sweet, funny, and a joy to be around.Our hearts ache for your family at this time for your tragic loss. We will continue to pray for your family. Jonathan will wait patiently at heavens gates to be with all of you again. He was taken from you way too early. Such a sensless act of violence! Our most heartfelt sympathy's to all of you. The Schuller Family
Robert Schotzko SR Family says
Our entire family is praying for you. We can not even imagine the pain and suffering you will endure for a very long time. We are so sorry for you all.
Sue Hoeppner says
He will be forever in your heart. His life touched so many and will continue on in your memories.
Anonymous says
yvonne williams says
In the quiet moments, when the hurt is hard to bear, May love become your shelter and may the beauty of precious memories be your comfort. You are held in gentle thought and prayer i don’t know your family.the was so sad you and your family will be in my prayer.
Kathy says
I knew Jonathon through Heleana. I only met him a few times but thought he was a very nice young man! I know the pain of losing a son! My thoughts and prayers are with you through this horrible time!
Janis says
I have never met your family but I just want to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. Life can be so unfair. I can understand what you are going through somewhat because my nephew was taken from us by a senseless act and it is something you never truly get over. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Sandee C says
Thinking about all the family and friends who are missing Jon. My heart and thoughts will be with you for some time to come. Stay strong.
Cassie says
Kattie Mae Rain Vytlacil says
Jonboy is my first real boyfriend. we dated (i know there were many of us girls he attracted with that bright smile and brown eyes that made you melt and helplessly smile at his silly, contagious grin). I still think about Jonboy and can’t wait to see him again when my purpose is complete here. Jon was the sweetest one out of our crew of friends, that’s how i knew immediately he was the one i wanted out of them all when we first met the “jerstade” kids who merged with our “gilmore girls,” if you will. his love will live forevermore; running through and over us like a powerful waterfall of emotions. My love to the family, and as stated in my “Ode to Jon,” I read at his Celebration of his life; you are not alone. there is no better or worse siutations. there is no right or wrong, simply the lens in which we view it from, built upon our rich pool of experiences. <3