Jim Kowalski plane crash misreported. Cause of death unknown
Jim Kowalski plane crash did not happen, according to a family member. Jim Kowalski died Thursday in Canada, but not as the result of a plane crash.
Minneapolis, Minn.
Twin Cities grocery store founder Jim Kowalski has died while on a fishing trip to Ontario, according to a relative.
Family member and company employee Deb Kowalski says Jim Kowalski was on a float plane with a friend when he died Thursday.
She says there was no crash, and the friend was not hurt. An autopsy was planned.
Jim Kowalski founded Kowalski's Markets in 1983. He and his wife, Mary Anne, are co-owners of what is now nine stores that employ nearly 1,200 people.
According to the company website, Jim Kowalski was named Minnesota Grocer of the Year and his wife was named National Grocers Association Woman of the Year.
WCCO-TV (http://cbsloc.al/1fCRtrU ) reports that just this week, staffers said Kowalski's stores were preparing for a celebration marking 30 years in business.