Our Family Tree
Our Family Tree
Legend has it that Jim Kowalski wanted to name Kowalski's Markets "Mary Anne's." She promptly talked him out of it.
Even though her first name – or her maiden name, Oase – aren't on the building, the Oase family has played, and to this day plays, a huge role in the success of Kowalski's. Mary Anne's nephews, brothers Mike Oase and Boyd Oase, currently serve as Chief Operations Officer and Vice President of Operations, respectively. Members of their own families have joined Mike and Boyd in the ranks over the years, too. Here's a peek into their family scrapbook.
Mary Anne's brother, John Oase, and sister-in-law, Linda Oase, have both worked for the company. John worked as a Dairy Manager from 1987-2004, and Linda logged about 30 years between the Deli and Bookkeeping Departments.
Mike and Boyd have three siblings who have worked for Kowalski's, too. Mark Oase currently works in the Dairy/Frozen Department at White Bear Lake. Chrissy Hines worked as both a Store Manager and Central Warehouse Manager for more than 10 years, up until last year. Jenny Oase worked for several years doing carryout at the Grand Avenue Market in the late '80s and early '90s.
Mike's wife, Tina Oase, and their kids Nathan Oase and Rachel Oase, are actively employed at Kowalski's. Tina and Rachel work at White Bear Lake in the Pricing Department and as a Manager on Duty, respectively. Nathan is an Administrative Assistant at the corporate offices in Woodbury.
Boyd's family has also worked here! His wife, Janet Oase, worked as a stocker and bookkeeper for many years at White Bear Lake. Boyd and Janet's sons, Cody Oase and Justin Oase, each spent a few years on the clock, too.
Chrissy's husband, Darren Hines, currently serves as Kowalski's Prevention Maintenance & Project Director. Their kids, Jack Hines and Paige Pechacek, worked in Maintenance and Starbucks for a bit as well.
