Donald M. Kowalka, 84, of Oregon, Ohio, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2011 at Parkcliffe at Wright Harvey House, Northwood, Ohio. He was born in Toledo on June 17, 1927 to Michael and Viola (Cain) Kowalka. Don found success on the football field, in business, and in love. As an eighth grade football player at Oakdale School, he was selected to play with the Varsity Reserve team at Waite High School. By his senior year, he was elected captain of the 1947 Waite High State Championship team, and was voted by his teammates as the Most Valuable Player, and garnered honors as well. In 2007 he was inducted into the Waite High School Hall of Fame. Upon graduation, he was offered 7 scholarships to play football from schools all over the Midwest. He chose to stay home and play for the University of Toledo. Don found equal success in the business world. As an independent gasoline dealer, he owned and operated 11 service stations and was one of the first in the area to offer automated car washes. He was past president of the Northwest Ohio Gasoline Dealers Association, a member of the Zenobia Shrine and a Mason. Don also was past president of the East Toledo High 12, past president of the Stewards at the Masonic Shrine. Despite all of his past honors and successes, Don always considered his greatest accomplishment to be marrying his 8th grade sweetheart, Suzanne Thomas, on July 16, 1949. A couple for 70 years, 62 in marriage, the enjoyed traveling, boating, and Ohio State Football together. They attended every game, both home and away, as members of the Buckeye Boosters until 2004. Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ralph Kowalka; sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Don DeTray; brother-in-law, Carlos Thomas. He is survived by his loving wife, Suzanne; daughter, Lynda Saneholtz; son, Don Lee Kowalka; grandsons, Dean (Jaclyn) Smith and David Smith; great-grandchildren, Ian and Scarlett Smith. Visitation will be held at Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Road on Thursday from 2 pm to 8 pm and where Paragon Lodge services will be held at 7:00 p.m. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Friday at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Lake Township Cemetery. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy in Don'™s memory are asked to consider the Alzheimer'™s Association or Heartland Hospice.