Kenneth John Nowak

Kenneth John Nowak, age 84 of Warren, died Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Harper University Hospital in Detroit. He was born April 17, 1932 in Detroit, son of the late Norman and the late Dorothy (nee: Karrer) Nowak. Born and raised in Detroit, Ken's high school years were spent at St. Anthony's where he ultimately became one of the proud graduates of the Class of 1950. Being quite the sports lover, high school also afforded Ken the opportunity of playing in one of his favorite,…football. An All-American sport for an All-American kind of guy, tossin' around and chasin' the Ol' Pigskin provided Ken a lot of pleasure and helped to feed some of that teenage competitive spirit he possessed. And he also played exceptionally well which is part of the reason he was ecstatic the day he was elevated to Captain of the team,…and not just any team, they were the City Champions! Being a leader just seemed to be in Ken's DNA, and this would prove to be the start of even greater things ahead. A great student, a stellar football player, but there was something even more special that Ken took away from St. Anthony's,…his High School Sweetheart, Dorothy. Known more affectionately to most as "Dot,"…the two lovebirds would go on to grow even deeper in love, be joined in marriage,…and this past September celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. A life filled with the many memories that come from being joined as husband & wife. Considering his love for football, imagine the dream-come-true it must have been the day Ken received notification that he had been awarded a football scholarship from Wayne State University in Detroit. But sadly, his football playing would suffer quite a blow through an injury incurred,…and the next place he found himself was in the U.S. Army. It was during the height of the Korean War, and Ken was stationed in Kansas. Following his stint in the Army, Ken's focus was, once again, laser-beamed on furthering his education,…which he decided to do at the iconic University of Detroit where he ultimately attained his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Quite the fitting degree for the goals that Ken would engage. It all began by following his Dad's leading in the family business, Variety Food Services of Warren. What started as a small family dream in 1928 would eventually grow into the largest independent food service company in Michigan. For 50 years of his life, Ken's leadership qualities assisted him in setting the pace as the company's President and Chairman of the Board, a position he held with great humility and poise. Through his many work associations, Ken was also proud to have served as the Chairman of the Board for the National Automatic Merchandiser's Association. So,…we've got Captain of the football team, Chairman of the Board within two business arenas, and to that we add Ken's position as a Board Member and Treasurer of Right to Life – Warren / Center Line Chapter. A devout man of faith, the organization offered Ken a unique and telling way of working out his faith and helping to make a difference. As shared by his family, Ken's good works touched many lives,…as well as the heart of God's. Working out his servant's heart was also manifested in the many ways he offered his strengths and gifts at church. Both Ken & Dot were passionate about their faith, as well as their membership at St. Martin dePorres Catholic Church in Warren. Ken was happy to share his musical gifts as a member of the church's choir, and together they enjoyed being members of the Engaged Couples group and serving as both Lay Ministers and Lectors. Considered to be a "Student of Life," Ken was truly a spiritual leader and a consummate mentor, especially with many of the students in Detroit over the years. He lived, practiced, and fostered these qualities and character traits, which also managed to make its mark on his loved ones by him creating a strong family life and positive environment. A loving husband, father and grandfather, Ken leaves behind a legacy of lessons, laughter and love that are bound to be an eternal blessing with each reflection shared. He will be missed immensely. Kenneth was the beloved husband of Dorothy. Dear father of Jeanne Nowak, John (Cheri) Nowak, the late Mary Nowak, Paul Nowak, Peter (Renee) Nowak, and Lawrence Nowak. Loving grandfather of Zachary, Michael, Katlyn, Nicole, Ryan, McKenna, Natalie, Joey, Charlee, and Alyssa. Brother of Donald (the late Bea) Nowak, Carleen Nowak, and the late Marilynn Bruley. Visitation for Kenneth will be held Tuesday, December 6th from 3-9 pm, with a 7:00 pm Scripture Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common, (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. He will lie in state on Wednesday from 9:00 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 9:30 am at St. Martin dePorres Catholic Church in Warren. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan. Memorial donations are welcomed to Right to Life – Michigan, P.O. Box 901, Grand Rapids, MI 49509, or to www.rtl.org Please share memories of Kenneth at his memory book above.