John "Jack" R. Nowak

John "Jack" R. Nowak, Age 89, went home to his Father in Heaven surrounded by family on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

Jack was born August 24, 1936, the son of John A. and Marie (Pupel) Nowak. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Kathleen “Kathy” (Schullo) Nowak, his parents, sister Rosemary Nowak, and brothers and sister in-laws.

Jack leaves behind his two devoted daughters, Colleen (Richard) Herman and Michelle (David) Buikema; five loving grandchildren Mallorie Herman, Megan (Cody) Sinke, McKenzie Herman, Logan Buikema, and Savannah Buikema; great granddaughter Nora Buikema; two Sister in-laws Rosalyn Joyce Sydnor and Marguerite "Peggy" (Gerald) Andrews, along with many special nephews and nieces.

Jack was a Veteran of the Airforce serving from 1956-1963, and received special recognition for spotting the Soviet Union Satellite "Sputnik" in American airspace while stationed in Japan.

He retired from AT&T (Michigan Bell) as a lineman after 30 years, with an additional 15 years with Amway Corporation as their Communications Director.

Jack and Kathy built their retirement/dream home in Canadian Lakes, surrounded by golf courses that they use daily during the spring, summer, and fall months. Dad called this area "God’s Country".

During those 20 years, they attended St. Michael's Parish in Remus, where they were active with the Church's youth breakfast, annual golf outings, and reading to elementary students at St. Michael's School.

Dad was an avid golfer, reader, and traveler (their last trip together was an Alaskan Cruise). He was also a huge cross-stitcher, grill master, and enjoyed a card game or dominoes with their Canadian lake friends, especially his grandchildren.

The Canadian Lakes home was not just their residence for nearly 20 years but held the most precious memories for their daughters, son in-laws, and especially the grandchildren. Whether it was spontaneous Sunday dinners, holidays, birthdays, long weekends, or weeklong family vacations, there was always plenty of love and fun to go around.

No services are planned at this time; however, we invite all who knew and loved Jack to share their memories, stories, and photos on his memorial page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National Kidney Foundation.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.