Joseph A. Nowak

Joseph A. Nowak (Born July 16, 1924, died April 29, 2016) Joseph A. Nowak passed away on Friday, April 29 2016 at the age of 91, having lived both a long and a highly impactful life that reflected his faith, his noble nature, and his love of family, all of which stand as a model to emulate. Born of Polish immigrant parents (Stephen and Tekla Nowak), Joe was born on July 16, 1924 in Delray, Michigan, the 6th of 7 children. The Nowak family history in the United States started with his father Stephen taking the journey from Europe to Ellis Island, arriving in New York the same week the Titanic sank in 1912. From there Stephen made his way to work and settle in Detroit, Michigan, sending for his wife and young family 2 years later. Joe was part of a family of siblings that included 5 boys (Stanley ('Spike'), Frank ('Skeets'), Walter ('Lefty'), Joe ('Ears'), Andrew, and two girls (Rose and Delphine). While attending Southwestern High School in Detroit, MI, Joe developed a strong affinity for math and science he maintained his whole life. He graduated in 1942 as a member of the first generation of Nowaks to be educated and assimilated into the United States. Like everyone else, the Stephen and Tekla Nowak family was strongly impacted by the world political events of the late 1930's and 40's. The entry of the United States into World War II was a seminal event, as all of their sons who were eligible volunteered to join the armed services. The Nowak version of the "Saving Private Ryan" story included having 4 brothers seeing active duty at the same time during the war, in various parts of Europe and Asia (Philippines). One in the Marines, one in the Navy, and two in the Army. For his part, Joe entered the Army on March 30, 1943 in Fort Custer, Michigan. From there he made his way to Montana State University, where he went through the Army Specialized Training Program for soldiers with technical skills. He was assigned to Company B 10th Engineer Battalion. Joe was sent overseas as part of the front line action in Europe. He was part of the Battle of the Bulge, and was awarded numerous medals, including 2 bronze battle stars. His 3 years of service to his country in World War II were a point of lifelong pride. After the war, Joe ultimately returned to the Detroit area, where he met the girl of his dreams, but nonetheless took some time to work up the courage to ask out Anna Hotca, who he happily married on October 4, 1947. This wonderful love story lasted for over 68 years. Joe and Anna settled in Taylor, Michigan and raised 5 children there (Irene, Joseph, Andrew, JoAnn, Stephen). He is the proud papa of Andy (Jodi), Jason, Beth Ann (Patrick), Angelo (Sharon), Kristina (Chris), Nicole, P.J., Heather, Kyle and Emma and great grandpa of Julianne, Kylie, Alyssa, A.J. and Paige. Joe was a man of strong Roman Catholic faith, and he was deeply devoted to his wife Anna, with whom he raised a close and loving family. In his later years he was a model patriarch affectionately known as 'Papa' to not only his immediate and extended family, but to myriad family friends as well. Joe Nowak was known as a pragmatic man of principle and integrity, and for abiding not so much by written contracts, but by his word, which was sacred. Material wealth or individual awards and honors did not interest him. His faith and his family were everything to him over the course of his entire life. By profession he prided himself on being a Tool and Die Maker for over 40 years, one who dealt with complex close tolerance work, which was consistent with his love of technical challenges, and with working with his hands to build things. Even though he did not have a college degree, he was a lifelong learner, becoming self-taught in car repair, electronics, plumbing, carpentry, television repair, and anything else you might run into during daily life. He was a creative man who knew a lot about many things, who could put that knowledge to practical use, and who was always loathe to open any set of instructions to put anything together. He was MacGyver of the real world. Joe always lectured the importance of getting a great education as the highest priority, but he also loved sports his entire life. As a player in his early years, and as fan later in life, he was a very competitive guy, likely stemming from his brothers and sisters being an especially competitive bunch. He enjoyed baseball, bowling, hockey, football, and volleyball, as well as good game of cards. If you played cards with him, you better know what you're doing. He closely followed his children's and grandchildren's sports endeavors, usually as one of the more vocal people in the stands, and their success was a particular point of pride for him. Joe Nowak was the last surviving member of Stephen and Tekla's immediate family, a journey that started with Stephen's landing at Ellis Island, and spanning more than 100 years of life in the United States. Joseph Nowak lead a long and very impactful life. He is survived by a large and very loving family, and simply put, he will be sorely missed by anyone who ever spent any amount of time with him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Click on the multimedia tab to view Joseph's video tribute.