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Stephen Mark Klonowski passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2017 at the age of 66.
Klonowski, a member of Pile Drivers Local #1847, was passionate about labor relations and spent many years working with the Lakes and Plains Regional Council of Carpenters to support and advance the rights of construction trades workers in Minnesota. Over his long career, he was also a member of Teamsters Local #4, IBEW Local #110, and IBEW #292.
In 2000 Klonowski began working with friend Brett Gurgel on computer-based solutions to the tracking and database management of political mobilization. The result was a groundbreaking software platform called LaborKey that gainied significant use among local and international unions. Klonowski and Gurgel co-founded a company with the same Laborkey name that has continued to create software tools that enhance the work of unions and benefit working families.
Klonowski remained active after retiring in 2016. He enjoyed science fiction, movies, the peace of his cabin up north, fishing and cherry cake.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Mark and Anna and his daughter Beth. He is survived by his sister Lynn and his loving wife of 45 years Debborrah, his children Shawn and Nichole, grandchildren; Dakota, Natasha, Autumn and Andrew. Klonowski is also survived by his two great grandchildren Nova and Cora, who were the apple of his eye.
At 4pm on December 13 there will be a gathering to celebrate Klonowski’s life at O’Gara’s in St. Paul, one of his favorite hangouts. More at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/1769794699991970/