Jordan Michael Pionkowski

Jordan Michael Pionkowski, born on September 4, 1983 in Marietta, Ohio to Michael and Janet Pionkowski resided in Kansas most of his life attending middle school and high school in the Topeka Shawnee Heights district. As a child and youth, he possessed the gift of fixing things. He took pride in working with his hands which included cooking. Seeing a transformation in a job well done fulfilled him. His employment record reflected those skills. He crafted his own guitars and other creative artworks. He had a love for his preferred music style, identifying with the lyrics.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed natural athleticism. Jordan valued family. One might find him coaching his boys at the skate park or shooting hoops or passing the football, welcoming anyone, young or old, who wished to join in. Resembling her dad in appearances, his daughter was the apple of his eye. His wardrobe included little other than Jayhawk and Chiefs gear. Stuck in the snow, Jordan pushed you out. Grass too high, he'd mow your lawn, too. Need help with the groceries? "let me get those".

As a new resident of Americus, the friendly rural environment suited him. Gazing at the stars from the front porch and listening to the sounds in the night, soothed his soul. He passed to his rest on February 14, 2024.

All I know is something like a bird

Within her sang

All I know she sang a little while

And then flew on

Tell me all that you know

I'll show you snow and rain

If you hear that same sweet song again

Will you know why?

Anyone who sings a tune so sweet

Is passin' by

Laugh in the sunshine, sing

Cry in the dark, fly through the night

Don't cry now, don't you cry

Don't you cry anymore, la, la, la, la

Sleep in the stars, don't you cry

Dry your eyes on the wind, la, la, la, la

Bird Song by Grateful Dead

Jordan is survived by his partner of almost a decade, Kerry Fessler and their sons, MJ and Mason Pionkowski of Americus; daughter, Della Pionkowski of Manhattan; father, Michael Pionkowski of Lindsborg; mother, Janet Pionkowski of Topeka; sister Gillett Salinas of Topeka; and brothers Graham Pionkowski, Phoenix, AZ, and Gabe Pionkowski, Madison, WI.

Donations can be made for the new skate park on the Emporia Community Foundation website. Under the Giving tab, make a donation, choose: General Fund, then City of Emporia Kahola Fund and include Jordan's name in the note box. Checks can be written to Emporia Community Foundation for the new skate park in Jordan's name.