Ursula Irmgard Splinter Kowaleski

Ursula Irmgard Gerda Splinter Kowalewski (95) passed away the morning of Tuesday, November 28, 2023. This remarkable woman was born the fourth of eleven children in Berlin, Germany on the 30th of May, 1928. The timing and location of her birth unfortunately meant Ursula endured too much at a young age. She survived several bombings and the cruelties of a world war. Married in 1952 to Eduard Kowalewski, Ursula gave birth to her first son in Germany. The family - with another daughter on the way - immigrated to the United States in 1956 through Ellis Island, following one of her younger sisters, Trautchen Akard, to America. They started life in the US in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but moved with their now three children to Jefferson City, TN, the town Ursula would call home for the rest of her life. A fourth son soon followed. Later one of her brothers, Horst Splinter, and his family immigrated to join her in TN. Tragically, Ursula’s husband Eduard passed when her children were still young in 1963. She worked multiple jobs to raise her family. She made many sacrifices raising four children as a single mother in a foreign land. Despite long hours and hardships, she somehow found the time to make every birthday special with a homemade cake and every Christmas was celebrated with colorful sugar cookies. She also ensured she and Norbert fulfilled Eduard’s wish of becoming American citizens in 1963. Her dedication and strength was an inspiration. She remarried in 1975 to Adolf Kowalewski after years of a pen friendship. Sadly, he , too, passed away in 1979 leaving Ursula a widow once again. Throughout her long life, her friends and family relied upon her for support. She became a loving, supportive grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a lifelong animal lover, treating her many pets over the years as a member of the family. Her dry, biting sense of humor was a hallmark, as well as her deep, affectionate hugs. Her family is grateful to God for the long life they were able to share with her. She was loved and cherished by more people than she ever would have believed. Proceeded in death by her two husbands, Eduard and Adolf, and her eldest son Norbert Kowalsky. Ursula is survived by Nobert’s wife Vickie Kowalsky and family, Renate Trigg (Jim) and family, Gabriella Pettit (Tony) and family, and Steven Kowalewski (Connie) and family. Receiving of Friends to be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, with a service following at Fielden Funeral Home, on Monday, December 4. Private graveside service will follow at Westview Cemetery on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to C.A.R.E. animal rescue or the Humane Society of Jefferson County. Ursula’s spirit and strength will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.

Ursula Irmgard Splinter Kowaleski

May 30, 1928 - November 28, 2023