Tribute

For a person who grew up near Chicago and resided in the suburb of Buffalo Grove since 1971, Don felt most at home at and amongst nature in the mountains and forests. Whether it be fishing, backpacking, hunting, woodworking, or gun collecting, Don loved the outdoors and sought opportunities to spend time in it. He treasured the Western Mountain states, particularly Wyoming and Montana, as he felt a kinship with the rugged exterior and complex terrain. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Don was fascinated with technology and embraced it, particularly after his retirement when seeking and researching genealogy on his family. Don brought his clever wit and insights, as well as his dark sense of humor, to everyone he encountered and made their lives brighter by knowing him. He was a caring husband, a devoted father, a supportive brother, cousin and uncle, and a steadfast friend who will be missed beyond measure. He began his education at Saint Beatrice School, Schiller Park, IL, where he went from kindergarten to eighth grade. Don attended East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, IL and after working and going to school, graduated from Elmhurst College, with a BA in Economics in 1970. Don was a trusted and loyal employee of Triangle Packaging Machinery Company, his only employer. He started as a Blueprint Machine Operator in 1960, referred by his brother, Phil. After graduating from college, Don moved into Engineering, Operations, and Sales positions throughout his 49-year career. He earned the nickname Pops due to his knowledge of the business as well as his guidance and mentorship of countless employees. Don retired from Triangle in 2009 as the National Sales Coordinator but the results of his dedication to work and the company live on and he is fondly remembered by those that worked alongside him. To his core, Don loved rock and roll music, and in the Stones/Beatles debate, sided with Mick Jagger every time. Other favorite musical acts were Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bob Seger, and Warren Zevon. He loved reading all genres – with science fiction, World War II, and science itself being favorites – and Jack London, Isaac Asimov, and Tony Hillerman were admired authors. He reveled in his Polish heritage, in both the historical and humorous sense Don was a card-carrying member of the NRA and believed in individual responsibility for oneself in all areas. Don was a card-carrying member of the NRA and believed in individual responsibility for oneself in all areas. He was also a "girl dad", before that moniker existed, as Don was an encouraging father who supported Kristen in every educational, professional, or personal endeavor.

Friends & Family

Surviving family includes: Linda Kobierowski, wife of 59 years; Kristen (Kobierowski) Flynn, daughter; Kaegan Flynn, granddaughter; Eamon Flynn, grandson; Jane Kober, sister-in-law and Phil (Nid) Kober, nephew; Jan and Alan Rendl, in-laws and Brad (Carol) Rendl, nephew and Alisa Little, niece; Nancy Lambert, sister-in-law, and Dan (Nicci) Lambert, nephew; Kermit and Pat Lambert, in-laws and Dana Lambert, niece, and Aaron Lambert, nephew. Don is preceded in death by Philip H. Kobierowski, father; Teresa Kobierowski, mother; Phil Kober, brother and Doug Lambert, brother-in-law.