Robert Ernest Kowall

Robert E. Kowall passed away on November 4, 2025 at the age of 58, in Brigham City, Utah surrounded by family and friends. He was born March 3, 1967 to Barbara and Ernie Kowall, now deceased.

Robert was disabled at birth but pursued life’s joys and challenges. Robert graduated from Box Elder High School in 1996. He worked at both Kmart and Shopko until they closed. He enjoyed puzzles and movies, and shopping A favorite activity was to walk to Kent’s grocery store and enjoy a donut and a diet coke.

Robert attended Life Skills and Individual Needs Center (LINC), and thoroughly enjoyed the many activities: bowling, Creativity, Girls and Guys Group and much more. He valued the teachers and friends he made throughout the years, and talked about his friend, Rosie, and other LINC companions.

Robert enjoyed his visits to Palm Springs with his brother, Bret, and his partner, Mike. He appreciated the pool and singing Christmas carols at his favorite holiday, especially Feliz Navidad.

After the passing of his parents, he was blessed with a new and loving family to guide and watch over him for the rest of his life. Ronda and Craig Shaffer loved, cared and nurtured him for 19 years. Robert was so happy with Ronda and Craig as they willingly became his second set of parents. Robert’s other family is so very grateful for the impact and love Ronda and Craig provided for Robert.

Robert is preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Kelly Kowall, and his father, Ernest C. Kowall. He is survived by his sisters, Kimberley Rankin, Grapevine, Texas, and Barbara (Domenick) Treschitta, Salt Lake City, brother, Bret Allison (Mike Sims), Cathedral City, California, and an uncle and nieces and nephews. Not to be forgotten, Ronda and Craig Shaffer, and their families who loved and cared for Robert as their own son and brother.

Special thanks to all who helped in smoothing Robert’s path in life and death, and to to Bristol Hospice and Pioneer Trail Nursing Facility who comforted Robert in his last days.

A visitation with family and friends will be held Saturday, November 15 at 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Gillies Funeral Chapel, 634 East 200 South, Brigham City, Utah.