Advertisement
Please join us for a Celebration of Life in honor of Dr. Rick Kolowski.Dr. Richard “Rick” Kolowski was born on December 26, 1944, in Oglesby, Illinois, to Edith and Edmund Kolowski. The eldest of three children, alongside Robert and Renee, Rick’s early life set the stage for a lifetime of achievement, leadership, and service.
A gifted athlete, Rick excelled at Lake Forest College, where his talent on the football field earned him Hall of Fame recognition. In 1967, he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs before playing three seasons with the Omaha Mustangs. That same passion for dedication and teamwork carried him throughout his life.
For 59 years, Rick was a devoted husband to his childhood sweetheart, Bonnie Mae Gerrard. Their partnership, built on love and commitment, remained the foundation of his family and life’s work.
Rick’s professional calling was education. Beginning with Millard Public Schools in 1971, he served as teacher, department head, assistant principal, director of secondary curriculum, and ultimately as the founding principal of Millard West High School, serving from 1993 to 2008. Known simply as “Dr. K” and as the school’s “Head Learner,” Rick led Millard West to receive the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School Award in 2001. After 41 combined years of dedicated service, he retired as an educator who left an indelible mark on countless students and colleagues.
Through public service, he bridged his commitment to education and leadership, starting with his tenure as International President of Phi Delta Kappa, a global educational association. Rick later served as chairman of the board for the Papio-Missouri Natural Resources District, as well as the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy County. A career already full of highlights was capped by being elected to represent District 31 as a Nebraska State Senator from 2013 to 2021.
Rick’s legacy lives on in his wife, Bonnie, and their children; Dr. Jason Kolowski and his wife, Stacy Markus, Esq. of Aldie, Virginia, and their children Persephone, Joseph, and Jude, and Dr. David Kolowski and his wife Dr. Lauren Kolowski of Loveland, Colorado, and their children Owen and Gwenyth; his sister, Renee Wrobleski of Deer Creek, Illinois; his sister-in-law, Nancy Kolowski of Yorkville, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Rick was promoted to a new position in Heaven on September 4th, 2025. A man of integrity, service, and vision, Rick Kolowski’s life was defined by his love for family, his devotion to education, and his commitment to public good. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held for Rick at the Thompson Alumni Center at 6705 Dodge Street in Omaha, on Sunday October 19 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Memorials can be sent to the family or to a charity of your choice.
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Thompson Alumni Center, 6705 Dodge St,Omaha, Nebraska, United States
