Joseph A. Nowak

Joseph A. Nowak, 92, Wausau, died peacefully on the morning of July 25, 2015 at Applegate Terrace. Joseph was born March 9, 1923 in Wausau, son of the late Tony and Helen (Kuharski) Nowak. After the death of his mother when he was a baby, his father married Agnes (Helmaniak) Nowak who raised Joe as her own. He served overseas in the Army during WWII from 1942 - 1946. Days after returning to Wausau he met Marian Staeck at Lou's Lunch, a local hot spot. They married on September 27, 1947 and enjoyed 67 years of married life, raising four children. Joe worked at Wisconsin Public Service Corporation for 40 years, retiring in 1985. He was a hard worker who possessed an outgoing personality. He was generous, and had a strong sense of justice. He also loved nature. Joe and Marian traveled often in retirement, but their favorite spot was in Minocqua. For years they rented a cabin on Lake Tomahawk, and its rustic charm was the scene of many joyful summer days for the family. Joe was a founding member of the Church of St. Anne. He loved dearly his Catholic faith, and he sacrificed to send his children to Catholic grade schools and high schools. He is survived by his wife, Marian, his children, Sally (Don) Bernarde, Susan (Roger) Aho, Joseph, all of Wausau and Thomas (Catherine) Nowak, Westboro, Mass.; his sister, Loretta (Steve) Brzezinski, Tomahawk; his grandchildren, Aaron (Michelle) Aho, Kristen (Bradley) Schmalzer, Jessica (Jay) Madsen, Emily Nowak and Adam Nowak; great-grandchildren, Laurel Schmalzer and Jack Madsen. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2015 at the Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Entombment will be in Holy Angels Mausoleum, St. Michael Cemetery, Wausau. Friends may call on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the Church of St. Anne. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Neighbors Place, Wausau. A special thanks to the Applegate Terrace staff for their compassion and care during this difficult time. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com