Frederick Ernest Nowak

Colonel Frederick E. Nowak, 86, passed away peacefully at his home on July 25, 2025. He was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts on August 31, 1938 to Frederick S. Nowak and Emily (Godek) Nowak. On April 12, 1975, he was united in marriage to Margaret Neutz at Faith Lutheran Church in O'Fallon, Illinois. They lovingly shared 50 years together and were blessed with three children. Fred also was blessed with two children from a previous marriage.

Fred grew up in Indian Orchard, a community rich in Polish heritage which he cherished deeply. As a teenager, he worked in the family-owned Godek's Market helping his grandparents make Polish sausage and delivering groceries in the neighbor- hood. He attended Immaculate Conception School through the eighth grade followed by Technical High School. He went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from St. Michael's College in Winooski, Vermont where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force through the ROTC program.

Fred's Air Force career as a Security Police officer, spanned "22 years, 6 months, and 25 days." Assigned as a Missile System Security Officer at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, he later commanded Security Police Squadrons at Kunsan AB, Korea, Scott AFB, Illinois, and Norton AFB, California. Following his retirement, Fred worked for Northrop Grumman for nearly 18 years as the Physical Security Manager for the B-2 program.

He had a passion for golf, boasting three hole-in-ones over the years. Even when he could no longer play, he continued to enjoy building and repairing golf clubs. Fred passed on his love for golf to his son and grandsons, teaching them well the skills and rules of the game. He also coached several Little League baseball teams. An avid fan of classic westerns, Fred collected John Wayne movies and memorabilia--The Duke being one of his all-time favorite actors. More importantly, however, Fred was a man of unwavering faith. A member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Redlands, he lived his life as a devoted Christian, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and true patriot.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret; children, Fred (Mary) Nowak of Framingham, MA; Erica (Joseph) Vasquez of Redlands, CA; and Erick (Jeanie) Nowak of Redlands, CA; and six grandchildren, Gabriela, Dominick, and Christian Vasquez, Emily, Wyatt, and Tyler Nowak. Preceded in death were his parents, infant son, Eric Frederick Nowak, and daughter, Sharon Ann Nowak. Fred's journey on earth was richly blessed; now he rests in the loving embrace of his Savior. Spoczywaj w pokoju moj Fryderyku.

Burial will be on Friday, August 22 at 1:00 p.m., with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA. A memorial service will be on Saturday, August 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1505 South Ford Street, Redlands, CA