Thomas Edward NOWAK

14 MAR 1946 - 20 MAR 2023

• BIRTH: 14 MAR 1946, South Bend, St Joseph, IN
• DEATH: 20 MAR 2023, Granger, St Joseph, IN

INDEX

[N34741] Thomas Edward Nowak
March 14, 1946 ~ March 20, 2023 (age 77)

Thomas Edward Nowak, age 77 of Granger, passed away on March 20, 2023. Tom was born on March 14, 1946 in South Bend to the late Edward and Virginia (Doran) Nowak. On December 11, 1971, he married Joan Daufenbach. Along with Joan, his loving wife, survivors include his three children Emilee (Brent) Lake of Cassopolis, MI, Andy (Amie) Nowak of Granger, and Mark (Kate) Nowak of Osceola. Surviving as well are 11 grandchildren: Bryce (Tayler), Brayden (fiancé, Madi), Brynn, Bree, Brogan, Breckyn, Brystol, Owen, Olivia, Bennett, and Lizzie, and 2 great-grandchildren Poppie and Marlee. Also surviving are Tom’s siblings; Dan Nowak of Edwardsburg, MI, Mary Ellen Roe of Granger, and Chris Newcomer of Osceola. Tom graduated from Saint Joseph High School in 1964 and went on to play collegiate basketball at Michigan Tech University. He taught at John Young Middle School for 38 years where he also coached basketball and high school volleyball. He was voted favorite Teacher of the Year five years in a row. Tom met his wife, Joan, playing volleyball at the YMCA. He was incredibly family oriented and always brought everyone together by cooking up a delicious meal and dealing up euchre at the kitchen table. He was an avid bird watcher and loved ice fishing and gardening too. Visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Palmer Funeral Home - Welsheimer North Chapel, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN. One hour prior to Mass, an additional visitation will be held at the church. Mass of Christian burial, officiated by Monsignor Bill Schooler, will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 N. Fir Rd, Granger, IN 46530.