Nowak, Joseph James "Joe"

Mr. Joseph James "Joe" Nowak, age 50, passed away very suddenly Monday morning, October 9, 2006 in Muskegon. He was born April 16, 1956 in Muskegon to John and Lorraine (Gay) Nowak and had been a life resident of the area. On April 29, 1978, he married the former Mary Beth LaPres in Muskegon. Joe currently was the vice-president and co-owner of Nowak Machined Products, the company he founded 24 years ago with his brother Ken. Joe loved spending time at his cabin where he enjoyed riding his tractors, hunting, fishing, and boating. He especially loved the many family gatherings that took place at the cabin and taking his "granddog", Scout for walks. He was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #706. He previously served on the board for the Muskegon County Catholic Education Foundation and was a current board member of the Annual Rainbow Auction for the benefit of the Catholic Schools. Joe also volunteered for the Muskegon Child Abuse Council. He was a loving husband, father, son and brother who will be missed by many. SURVIVORS include his wife, Mary Beth Nowak of Norton Shores; his children, Jennifer (Scott) Waldo and Mark (Jennie Gerencer) Nowak both of Muskegon; his parents, John and Lorraine Nowak of Norton Shores; his father-in-law, Francis LaPres of Muskegon; his brothers and sisters, Jack (Gussie) Nowak, Steve (Mary Jo) Nowak, Ken (Amy) Nowak, Christine Nowak all of Muskegon, Mary Jane Nowak of Farmington Hills, Bob Nowak of West Olive; his sisters-in-law, Joan (Ray) Langlois and Barb (Bruce) Hall both of Muskegon; special Uncle & Aunt Dan & Shelley Chamber; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Patricia LaPres and his brother-in-law, Bill LaPres. THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 11:00 AM Thursday, October 12, 2006 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with the Rev. R. Louis Stasker as celebrant. ENTOMBMENT will take place at St. Mary's Mausoleum. VISITATION with Joe's family will be 2-4 and 6-8 PM Wednesday at The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. (231) 759-8565 Visitation will also be held one hour prior to Mass, 10-11 AM Thursday in Marian Chapel at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Hackley Cancer Treatment Center or the Muskegon County Catholic Education Foundation.